Bengaluru: Namma Metro commuters who play music or watch videos on speaker mode without using earphones can now be fined up to Rs 2,500 under revised rules that came into force on June 19. The changes have been introduced following amendments to the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002, through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026.

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has implemented the stricter penalties to improve commuter discipline and reduce disturbances inside Metro coaches. Chennai Metro has also begun enforcing the amended rules.

Acts that can attract a Rs 2,500 fine

Under the revised provisions, passengers may face fines of up to Rs 2,500 for behaviour that inconveniences others. These include:

  • Playing music or videos on speaker mode
  • Watching videos without earphones
  • Shouting inside Metro coaches
  • Using abusive or obscene language
  • Travelling in an intoxicated state
  • Spitting within Metro premises
  • Sitting on the floor of Metro coaches
  • Vandalising Metro property
  • Engaging in indecent behaviour

Why BMRCL tightened the rules

According to BMRCL, complaints about commuters using mobile phones on speaker mode have increased significantly in recent years.

During 2025-26, Metro security personnel cautioned nearly 57,000 passengers for playing audio or videos aloud inside coaches. Although the earlier law permitted a fine of up to Rs 500, officials said most offenders received only warnings.

The corporation also found over 1,900 passengers consuming food inside Metro trains during the same period despite repeated announcements prohibiting the practice.

Other penalties under the amended law

The revised law also prescribes higher penalties for several other offences.

Displaying posters, banners, placards or staging demonstrations within Metro premises can now attract fines of up to Rs 10,000. Unauthorised entry into restricted areas, trespassing on Metro tracks or unlawfully remaining on Metro property can invite fines of up to Rs 5,000.

BMRCL Chief Public Relations Officer BL Yeshwanth Chavan said offences such as disrupting train operations, defacing public notices and using counterfeit Metro tickets could attract penalties of up to Rs 25,000 under the amended provisions.

BMTC cannot impose similar fines

Unlike Namma Metro, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) does not have legal provisions to levy fines on passengers for playing loud music or videos. Conductors can only warn offenders or ask them to leave the bus if they refuse to cooperate.