Bhopal: Bhopal Metro launched its first 'Celebrations on Wheels' event on Sunday, hiring a metro coach for a fitness group's evening ride. The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (MPMRCL) described it as a novel use of transit space amid low ridership. The 55-minute ride began at approximately 6:35 PM from AIIMS Bhopal, traveling to Subhash Nagar depot and back.
Cramped and Lively Atmosphere
Inside the coach, the scene was lively but cramped. Women danced to upbeat music in tight clusters as the coach swayed. Space was limited; people pressed close to seats and railings, swaying and balancing while the metro glided along the tracks.
Ticket Pricing and Promotion
Ahead of the start, a standee outside AIIMS Bhopal metro station advertised a 'dance event in metro' at ₹499 per head. Inside, amplified music and a DJ station were placed, potentially breaching MPMRCL's rule that permits only an 8-watt Bluetooth speaker and prohibits larger systems. MPMRCL's photo release showed one coach for the event, claiming 50 attendees, but other photographs suggest people were in multiple coaches.
Policy and Pricing Discrepancies
According to MPMRCL's policy for 'Celebrations on Wheels,' released in April, an undecorated moving coach costs ₹7,000 per hour for 1 to 50 persons. However, the advertised ₹499 ticket price by the organizer raises questions about cost recovery and GST liability. The event ran after passenger service ended for the day. This debut put Bhopal Metro's revenue initiative on the map but exposed enforcement gaps and pricing ambiguity.
When contacted for clarification on coach counts, audio compliance, and tax responsibility, MPMRCL officials did not respond.
Rules vs. Alleged Breaches
Audio
- Rule: Only an 8-watt Bluetooth speaker is permitted; amplified or DJ systems are prohibited.
- Alleged breach: The event used amplified DJ-style music.
Coach Capacity
- Rule: ₹7,000 per hour per moving coach for 1 to 50 persons.
- Alleged breach: Official sources claim one coach for approximately 50 attendees, but attendee photos indicate multiple coaches were used.
GST Compliance
- Rule: Applicant pays GST in addition to the booking fee; 100% advance inclusive of GST is required.
- Alleged breach: With a ticket price of ₹499 per head, it is unclear who is liable to pay GST on the ticket—whether it is included or added later.
Nuisance and Safety
- Rule: If nuisance is observed, the event can be cancelled on the spot and the deposit forfeited.
- Alleged breach: Loud music and unsafe hanging of a DJ spotlight were observed.
Surveillance and Oversight
Metro premises are under CCTV surveillance, yet questions remain about when officials were present and whether they monitored the event in real time.
