Bengaluru: After a video showing a Namma Metro passenger unpacking a packet and chewing tobacco and drawing strong objections from fellow commuters on a train went viral, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has issued a warning.
BMRCL announced penal action against passengers caught consuming tobacco-based products and spitting inside Metro stations or while travelling on Metro. An official of BMRCL said that such act could invite a penalty of Rs 500. Security staff of Namma Metro will soon launch a drive to curb such violations.
“Since possession of such substances cannot be detected through metal detectors, BMRCL has decided to implement random physical pat-down checks at all Metro stations. While platform security guards will be sensitised to look out for such passengers, the central security surveillance room has already been instructed to monitor passenger behaviour and alert the security staff immediately, upon noticing any violations. Enhanced surveillance will now be carried out on all trains and Metro stations, and guilty passengers will be fined as per BMRCL rules,” stated a press release from BMRCL.
It also stated BMRCL will launch extensive awareness campaigns on importance of refraining from using chewable tobacco-based products.