BMRCL launches campaign to curb loud music, misuse of priority seating

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) has launched a special awareness drive across Namma Metro trains to promote commuter etiquette and address behaviours that cause inconvenience to co-passengers. This comes amid repeated complaints about loud music, eating inside coaches, misuse of priority seating, and consumption of tobacco products, which officials say affect the comfort or safety of other commuters in a shared public space.

As part of the drive, BMRCL deployed special onboard teams consisting of Home Guards to sensitise passengers and counsel those found violating basic travel norms.

Data from the year-long exercise show that 57,538 commuters were found playing loud music inside trains, while 37,038 were counselled for occupying priority seats without vacating them for senior citizens, pregnant women, or persons with disabilities. Moreover, 1,907 commuters were found consuming food inside metro coaches, and 1,677 were caught chewing tobacco products.

BMRCL, in a statement, has warned commuters that such acts can attract penalties under the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002.