Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Intensifies Efforts to Curb Passenger Misbehavior
In Bengaluru, a concerning trend of passenger misconduct on the Namma Metro has prompted authorities to take decisive action. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) has initiated a special awareness campaign to address growing complaints about commuters who play loud music, watch videos without earphones, and improperly occupy priority seats designated for vulnerable passengers.
Alarming Statistics Reveal Widespread Rule Violations
Recent data from BMRCL officials paints a stark picture of the situation. Over the past year, security personnel have documented 57,538 instances of commuters playing loud music or using mobile phones without earphones on Metro trains. Additionally, 37,038 passengers were found occupying priority seats meant for senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.
Other violations include 1,907 commuters caught eating on Metro trains and 1,677 individuals found chewing tobacco products, all contravening established regulations. These numbers highlight the scale of the problem facing Bengaluru's public transport system.
Enhanced Monitoring and Educational Approach
As part of the new initiative, BMRCL plans to deploy additional home guards who will travel on Metro trains to identify and caution passengers engaging in disruptive behavior. A senior BMRCL official explained the challenges, noting that during peak hours, the heavy rush prevents security personnel from moving between coaches to monitor violations effectively.
"Despite repeated awareness campaigns, passengers continue to play music on mobile speakers or watch serials and films without earphones, causing significant inconvenience to fellow commuters," the official stated. "People need to understand their responsibility while using public transport. Considering the increase in such cases, we plan to deploy more home guards in the coming days to conduct routine checks."
Focus on Education Over Penalization
Interestingly, while BMRCL regulations permit fines of Rs 500 for causing nuisance, officials have adopted an educational approach rather than immediate penalization. "As of now, we have not imposed fines for these violations," confirmed the official. "Our primary aim is to educate commuters and foster mutual respect among passengers."
Commuters Share Frustrating Experiences
Regular Metro users report that such incidents have become commonplace. Nagaraj Reddy, a frequent commuter, shared his experience: "Some commuters disregard the privacy and peace of mind of others, particularly during long journeys. Once, while traveling from National College to Peenya, I encountered a person playing music without earphones. When I advised him, he complied immediately. However, in many instances, people respond with arrogance and refuse to listen."
Additional Concerns: Tobacco Use and Spitting
Officials have also highlighted multiple incidents of commuters chewing tobacco and spitting on tracks, staircases, and station premises. "Some passengers even consume tobacco while accessing platform areas," an official noted. "While our staff attempts to prevent this behavior, some individuals manage to sneak in. When caught, penalties are imposed according to the rules."
Similar Issues Plague City Buses
The problem of passengers playing loud music extends beyond the Metro system. Similar complaints have been reported on BMTC buses, where the management has previously issued circulars instructing conductors to educate errant passengers. Conductors are authorized to deboard individuals who continue to ignore warnings and cause disturbances.
A BMTC official clarified that while no penalties are currently collected from such passengers, fines can be imposed for other violations. "Fines are applicable for men occupying seats reserved for women and for passengers traveling without tickets," the official explained.
Growing Need for Civic Responsibility
The situation underscores a broader need for enhanced civic responsibility among Bengaluru's commuters. As the city's public transport network expands and ridership increases, maintaining decorum and mutual respect becomes increasingly crucial for ensuring a pleasant travel experience for all.
BMRCL's awareness drive represents a proactive step toward addressing these challenges, emphasizing education and community cooperation over punitive measures. The corporation hopes that through sustained efforts and passenger cooperation, the Metro can remain a comfortable and respectful environment for everyone.
