Bengaluru | The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has recorded over one lakh cases of passenger rule violations across the Namma Metro network in the past year, highlighting growing concerns over commuter discipline in public transport systems.
According to official data, violations range from playing loud music without headphones and misuse of reserved seats to eating inside trains and chewing gutka or paan. Despite repeated announcements and warnings, metro authorities say such behaviour continues to disrupt the travel experience of daily commuters.
Noise and Seat Misuse Top the Violation List
Data released by BMRCL shows that noise-related offences are the most common, accounting for more than half of the recorded cases.
- 57,538 cases: Playing loud music or audio without headphones
- 37,038 cases: Refusal to vacate reserved seats for pregnant women, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities
- 1,907 cases: Eating food inside metro trains
- 1,677 cases: Chewing gutka or paan during travel
Metro officials stated that these actions violate public conduct norms and undermine the comfort and safety of other passengers.
‘Metro Etiquette’ Campaign Launched
To address the issue, BMRCL has launched a dedicated “Metro Etiquette” awareness campaign across the network. As part of the initiative, two home guards have been deployed in each metro train to counsel passengers, issue warnings, and promote responsible commuter behaviour.
Authorities clarified that while awareness is the first step, repeat offenders will face strict penalties under existing laws.
Penalties Under Metro Railways Act, 2002
Passengers violating rules are fined under the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002. The fine structure includes:
- Smoking or tobacco use: ₹250–₹500
- Travelling under alcohol influence: ₹500 and removal from train
- Eating inside trains: ₹250
- Loud music/noise: ₹250; device may be confiscated
- Photo or video shoot without permission: ₹500
- Travelling without a ticket: Above ₹50
- Men travelling in women’s coach: ₹500 and service penalty
- Entering metro tracks: ₹250–₹1,000 and possible imprisonment
- Misuse of emergency alarm: ₹100 and imprisonment
- Obscene or indecent behaviour: ₹250 and possible cancellation
How Commuters Can Report Violations
Passengers can report disturbances or misconduct by pressing the Emergency Talkback button near the coach doors, which directly connects to the train conductor. Security personnel are then alerted at the next station. Complaints can also be registered through helplines:
- 1800-425-12345 (Toll-free)
- 080-23019111
Metro officials emphasised that maintaining discipline is a shared responsibility, urging commuters to respect fellow passengers and help create a safe, clean, and inclusive public transport environment.
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