Bengaluru: Playing loud music, eating food or chewing tobacco inside Namma Metro trains can now invite penalties, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation
Limited (BMRCL) said, as it launched a special drive to promote commuter etiquette and responsible travel behaviour. In a media release issued on January 30, BMRCL said that certain offences causing inconvenience to co-passengers attract penalties under the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002. The metro authority urged commuters to follow basic travel etiquette to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for all. BMRCL said Namma Metro trains are shared public spaces and require collective responsibility from commuters. Actions such as playing loud music without earphones, eating food or chewing tobacco inside trains disturb fellow passengers. Loud Music, Food and Tobacco to Attract Penalties in Namma Metro The metro authority also stressed that priority seating must be offered to senior citizens, pregnant women and persons with disabilities who need it. "Certain actions such as playing loud music, eating food, or chewing tobacco inside metro trains cause inconvenience to co-passengers. It is also a shared civic duty to ensure that priority seating is made available to senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities who require it, " said Namma Metro. To address repeated complaints, BMRCL carried out a year-long onboard sensitisation drive. As part of the initiative, special teams consisting of two Home Guards were deployed inside metro trains to counsel commuters and spread awareness. Over 57,000 Commuters Caught Playing Loud Music Data collected during the drive showed that 57,538 commuters were found playing loud music inside metro trains. Another 37,038 commuters were counselled for occupying priority seats without vacating them for passengers in need. During the same period, 1,907 commuters were found eating food inside trains, while 1,677 commuters were caught chewing tobacco products. BMRCL appealed to commuters to cooperate by following simple rules such as using earphones while listening to music, avoiding food consumption inside trains, refraining from tobacco use and offering priority seats to those who require them. The metro authority said that courtesy, patience and consideration towards fellow passengers can go a long way in making every journey on Namma Metro safe, comfortable and enjoyable.
