A city resident has sparked a discussion on social media after claiming he was stopped from entering a metro station because he was barefoot and carrying his shoes in his hand.
The incident was shared in a thread on X by user Shyam Mohan, who said he was prevented from entering the Cubbon Park Metro Station earlier in the day.
According to Mohan, he had just finished a run and removed his shoes to stretch his feet before heading home. When he attempted to enter the station barefoot while holding his footwear, security personnel stopped him.
“Was stopped from entering the Bangalore metro today at Cubbon Park station because I was barefoot and carried my footwear in my hand,” he wrote in his post.
Security cites “indecency” concerns
Mohan said the first security guard told him that entering the station barefoot while carrying shoes in hand was considered “indecent” and insisted he wear the footwear before entering.
He also questioned whether such rules would apply to devotees travelling barefoot to religious destinations such as Sabarimala Temple, where walking barefoot is a common practice.
According to Mohan, the guard asked him to leave the station and return only after placing his shoes inside a cover or bag.
Rule reportedly enforced after passenger complaint
After attempting to enter through another gate, Mohan said he was again stopped by other security personnel. However, he described the second interaction as calmer.
The guards reportedly informed him that the restriction had begun to be enforced after a commuter recently complained about passengers carrying footwear in their hands while travelling on the metro.
The metro system in the city is operated by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited.
Online reactions pour in
The incident has drawn mixed reactions online, with several users sharing similar experiences while others argued that carrying shoes in public spaces could be uncomfortable for fellow passengers.
Some commenters supported Mohan’s argument, saying public transport systems should remain accessible and flexible for commuters using nearby parks such as Cubbon Park.
Others suggested that carrying shoes inside a bag would be a more considerate option for fellow passengers.
Mohan said he now plans to seek clarification from the authorities on whether such restrictions are part of official metro rules or merely an isolated enforcement decision.