Bengaluru Metro Hikes Fines For Track Trespassing And Nuisance By Over 400 Percent

The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has increased penalties for various rule violations on the Bengaluru Metro by more than 400 percent, effective from Sunday. Under the new rules, station management staff have been empowered to levy direct fines on passengers for offenses like track trespassing, public intoxication, and ticket fraud, instead of filing court cases.

Track trespassing has seen the sharpest jump under the new structure. Walking on the metro tracks without authorization now carries a penalty of Rs 20,000, a fourfold increase aimed at discouraging one of the network's most dangerous violations. Additionally, entering restricted zones or unauthorized areas without permission will now cost passengers up to Rs 5,000.

Conducting disruptive protests or putting up unauthorized posters and writings on metro premises will now draw fines of up to Rs 10,000. Previously, these offenses were punishable with imprisonment.

Everyday nuisances on the transit network have also become significantly more expensive. The fine ceiling for playing loud music without headphones, public intoxication, abusive conduct, indecent behavior, and carrying offensive or prohibited materials has risen fivefold, jumping from Rs 500 to Rs 2,500.

Ticket-related fraud will face strict financial penalties as well. Altering, counterfeiting, or illegally selling and transferring metro tickets or passes will attract fines of up to Rs 20,000. Using a forged or altered ticket will cost passengers Rs 5,000, while other fraudulent ticketing practices carry a maximum fine of Rs 25,000.

The enforcement process has been streamlined to allow quicker action. Previously, BMRCL had to file cases in court against violators. Now, designated station management staff will act as adjudicating officers with the authority to investigate and directly levy these hefty fines. Passengers who dispute a penalty have a 30-day window to appeal to a senior officer, with resolutions expected within 60 days.

The penalties were revised under the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act 2002. This follows the notification of the provisions of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act 2026 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.