Commuters using the Bengaluru Metro will now face much steeper penalties for violating metro rules. The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has increased fines for several offences by more than 400%, according to reports.
The revised penalty structure will come into effect from Sunday. The move aims to improve passenger safety, reduce misuse of metro services and ensure smoother operations across the network.
Track Trespassing Will Attract The Highest Fine
BMRCL has imposed its toughest penalty on track trespassing, one of the most dangerous offences on the metro network.
Under the new rules, anyone found entering the tracks without permission can be fined up to Rs 20,000. Earlier, the penalty for such violations was much lower.
The metro authority believes stricter fines will discourage risky behaviour and help prevent serious accidents.
Heavy Penalties For Entering Restricted Areas And Disrupting Services
Passengers who enter restricted or unauthorised areas inside metro premises can now face fines of up to Rs 5,000.
Similarly, organising protests, rallies or demonstrations that disrupt metro operations may attract penalties of up to Rs 10,000.
The same fine can also apply to people who display unauthorised posters, banners or writings inside metro stations or other metro property.
These measures are intended to maintain order and ensure uninterrupted metro services.
Common Violations Now Carry Higher Fines
BMRCL has also raised penalties for several everyday offences committed by passengers.
The earlier maximum fine of Rs 500 has now increased to Rs 2,500 for many common rule violations.
These include:
- Playing loud music without using headphones.
- Carrying illegal or objectionable reading material.
- Being intoxicated inside metro premises.
- Indecent behaviour.
- Using abusive or offensive language.
Officials hope the higher fines will encourage passengers to follow metro rules more responsibly.
Ticket Fraud To Face Strict Action
The revised regulations also introduce tougher penalties for ticket-related fraud.
Passengers caught using fake or altered metro tickets can now face a fine of up to Rs 5,000.
Meanwhile, offences involving the counterfeiting, illegal sale, transfer or misuse of metro tickets and passes may attract penalties of up to Rs 20,000.
According to reports, other serious ticket fraud offences could result in fines of up to Rs 25,000.
The stricter rules aim to prevent financial losses and protect the integrity of the metro ticketing system.
BMRCL Changes The Penalty Process
Along with increasing fines, BMRCL has also changed the way penalties will be handled.
Instead of initiating court proceedings for these violations, designated station management officials will now act as adjudicating officers.
These officials will have the authority to investigate cases and impose penalties directly, making the process faster and more efficient.
Passengers Can Appeal Within 30 Days
Passengers who disagree with a penalty will have the option to challenge the decision.
Under the new system, they can file an appeal with a senior BMRCL officer within 30 days of receiving the penalty.
The authority is expected to dispose of the appeal within 60 days, providing commuters with a formal process to seek a review.
The revised rules reflect BMRCL’s efforts to strengthen safety standards, improve passenger discipline, and ensure smoother metro operations as Bengaluru’s metro network continues to expand.