Bengaluru Metro To Penalize Tobacco Use, Enhance Screening At Stations

Maintaining cleanliness in public spaces is often viewed as simply avoiding littering. However, actions like refraining from spitting in streets, public areas, and on public transport play a significant role in keeping our environment tidy. In response to growing concerns, the Bengaluru Metro has taken steps to address this issue. On April 23rd, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) announced new penalties for passengers caught using chewable tobacco products on metro property and trains. This decision is part of a larger effort to combat spitting and littering, following numerous complaints from the public.

To implement this regulation, BMRCL plans to increase patrols during off-peak hours and will conduct random checks at metro stations. Since chewable tobacco products evade detection by metal detectors, a more thorough inspection process is necessary.

Bengaluru Metro To Launch Awareness Initiatives To Educate Riders

According to a statement from BMRCL, security personnel stationed on platforms will be trained to identify offenders. Additionally, the central security surveillance team has been instructed to closely monitor passenger behavior and alert platform staff if any violations occur. Enhanced monitoring will be rolled out across all trains and stations, with fines imposed on those found in violation of the rules.

In terms of fines, an official of BMRCL stated that such actions could result in a penalty of Rs 500. The security staff of Namma Metro will soon initiate a drive to reduce such violations.

Besides this, BMRCL is set to launch awareness initiatives aimed at educating riders about the importance of avoiding tobacco products within the metro environment. “We invite all passengers to collaborate with us to foster a cleaner and more enjoyable commuting experience,” the BMRCL concluded.

Besides this, Bengaluru is also gearing up to launch the Metrolite, a lightweight metro alternative tailored for areas with lower passenger traffic. This system is expected to begin operations in 2027, running primarily at street level. Each train will consist of three coaches, capable of holding between 300 and 425 passengers. The trains will operate on standard gauge tracks (1,435 mm) with an average speed of 35 km/h and a maximum speed of 60 km/h.