Commuters in Bengaluru could soon be permitted to carry sealed liquor bottles while travelling on Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited trains, as officials consider revising existing rules.
Sources said the proposal has been discussed several times and was recently reviewed again at a high-level meeting. While there is in-principle approval for the move, implementation may take some time.
Likely to Follow Delhi Metro Model
According to officials, the plan is to follow the system adopted by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, where carrying sealed liquor bottles is currently permitted on the Airport Express Line.
BMRCL sources indicated that once Namma Metro’s airport line becomes operational — expected in about two years — similar rules could be introduced in Bengaluru.
Rule Changes Under Consideration
Officials clarified that no special licence or separate permission would be required to allow passengers to carry sealed bottles. If approved, the provision would simply be added to Metro rules and regulations.
At present, liquor is listed among prohibited items under the category of flammable materials. Across all Namma Metro stations, 58 items are banned from being carried on trains, including firearms, sharp objects, explosives, chemicals and other hazardous materials.
Interestingly, while carrying liquor is currently not allowed, passengers who have consumed alcohol are permitted to travel, provided they remain within acceptable limits and do not cause inconvenience to others. However, officials did not clearly define what those limits are, stressing only that misbehaviour will not be tolerated.
Public Feedback Played a Role
Metro authorities have received repeated feedback from commuters questioning why sealed liquor bottles are banned on a public transport system. Some passengers have argued that if food and beverages are restricted only in terms of consumption inside trains, carrying sealed bottles like any other luggage should not be an issue. There have also been instances where security personnel at certain stations reportedly allowed passengers to carry bottles.
Confirming ongoing discussions, BMRCL Director (RES and O&M) Sumit Bhatnagar said the matter is still under deliberation.
If approved, the move would bring Namma Metro in line with other metro systems and offer greater convenience to travellers, especially once airport connectivity is completed.
