Namma Metro Rules: Commuters Fined For Exceeding 20-Minute Stay At Stations

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is imposing fines on commuters who exceed the permitted 20-minute stay at a Namma Metro station, a practice that has caught many off guard. Despite the surprise, authorities clarify that this rule is not new.

In a recent incident, a passenger was fined Rs 50 deducted from his smart card at a Namma Metro station. Upon questioning a Namma metro official near the Automated Fare Collection (AFC) gate, he learned that the penalty was for lingering 25 minutes on the metro concourse, five minutes beyond the allowed duration.

While this enforcement has been ongoing, it appears many commuters were unaware, leading to recent uproar.

According to The Hindu, Arun (name changed) shared his experience of disembarking at Vijayanagar Namma metro station during heavy rain, opting to wait and charge his mobile phone. Upon leaving, he was surprised to find the additional deduction on his smart card.

Expressing his surprise, he stated, "I immediately went to the ticket counter and inquired about the deduction. The metro authorities explained the penalty to me, which I was unaware of. I asked why information about this rule is not displayed at all metro stations."

BMRCL officials clarified that this rule has been in effect since the Namma metro's inception in the city, aimed at preventing overcrowding. In response to concerns about public awareness, officials assured that they would enhance the visibility of such rules at metro stations and provide information on the BMRCL's official website.