The amendments also impose steeper penalties for ticket-related offences.
| Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR
The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will implement the Centre’s revised penalty framework under the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002, following a notification issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs that brought into force the relevant provisions of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 with effect from June 19, 2026.
The amendments are aimed at decriminalising several minor offences committed on metro premises by replacing imprisonment with monetary penalties in many cases, while significantly increasing the amount payable for violations.
According to officials, the move is part of the Centre’s broader Jan Vishwas initiative to promote trust-based governance and simplify the enforcement of laws.
New penalties
Under the revised provisions, the maximum penalty for drunkenness, creating nuisance, indecent behaviour and carrying offensive material inside metro premises has been increased from ₹500 to ₹2,500. Demonstrations or unauthorised display of posters and writings that disrupt metro operations can now attract a penalty of up to ₹10,000, replacing the earlier provision of imprisonment or a fine. Similarly, unauthorised entry into metro premises or remaining in restricted areas can invite a penalty of up to ₹5,000, while walking on metro tracks can now attract a fine of up to ₹20,000.
The amendments also impose steeper penalties for ticket-related offences. Altering or counterfeiting metro tickets or passes can now attract a penalty of up to ₹20,000, while illegally selling or transferring metro tickets will also carry a penalty of up to ₹20,000. Using forged or altered tickets can result in a penalty of up to ₹5,000, and other ticket-related fraudulent acts may attract penalties of up to ₹25,000.
A significant change introduced by the amendment is the establishment of an adjudication mechanism. Instead of prosecuting every minor offence in a criminal court, the Metro Railway Administration can appoint station management officers as Adjudicating Officers to conduct inquiries and impose penalties. Passengers who are aggrieved by an order may file an appeal before a higher-ranking officer within 30 days, with appeals expected to be disposed of within 60 days.
A senior BMRCL official said that the penalties under the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002, have now been enhanced and would be enforced across the Namma Metro network.
“For instance, the maximum penalty for offences such as creating a nuisance, including playing music or videos loudly inside metro trains or on station premises without using headphones, has been increased from ₹500 to ₹2,500. We will implement all the revised rules strictly,” the official said.
Published – July 17, 2026 08:38 pm IST
