Commuters on Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) may soon be allowed to carry sealed liquor bottles in their bags.
The move comes after the Metro operator gave in-principle approval to relax existing rules.
Right now, liquor is completely banned on Namma Metro and is listed under “flammable items” along with chemicals and other restricted goods.
But that could change in the coming years.
Officials say the new approach will follow the model used by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, where passengers are allowed to carry alcohol on certain routes, including the Airport Express line.
When Will the Rule Change Happen?
According to reports, the rollout in Bengaluru is likely to happen along with the launch of the Metro’s airport link, which is expected to become operational in about two years.
However, the proposal is not final yet.
It still needs to be formally added to Metro regulations. Once approved, BMRCL can update its prohibited items list without needing additional state-level clearance.
For now, the existing ban remains in place.
Why Is the Rule Being Reviewed?
Metro authorities say they have received repeated feedback from passengers.
Many commuters argue that carrying sealed bottles should be treated like carrying any other purchased item.
Most agree that drinking or eating inside trains should remain banned to maintain cleanliness.
But simply transporting unopened bottles, they say, should not be restricted.
Interestingly, officials admitted that in some isolated cases, security staff have already allowed passengers to travel with sealed bottles.
What About Drinking and Safety?
The draft policy takes a practical view.
Passengers are already allowed to board trains after consuming alcohol, as long as they remain within “permissible limits” and do not disturb others.
There are no mandatory breathalyzer checks at entry gates.
Instead, the focus is on behavior and maintaining order inside the Metro system.
Officials have clarified that discussions are still ongoing.
If approved, the change would make Namma Metro more commuter-friendly and aligned with policies followed by other major transit networks in India.
For now, passengers will have to wait for the final decision.
