Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has introduced a new regulation that imposes a fine of up to ₹2,500 on passengers playing music or videos without earphones inside trains and at stations. This announcement comes amid an ongoing debate about phone etiquette in public transport, prompting diverse reactions from commuters in Delhi.
Is there a similar regulation for the Delhi Metro? According to Anuj Dayal, Principal Executive Director of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), there is no specific penalty for playing loud music under the Operations & Maintenance Act. However, violations can be addressed under Section 59 of the 2002 Act. From December 2025 to May 2026, 6,608 passengers faced penalties under this section. Dayal emphasized that DMRC’s main approach is to counsel passengers when they breach regulations, although surprise inspections and fines are occasionally utilized to discourage unlawful behavior. To address the issue of loud music, regular announcements are made inside trains urging passengers to refrain from playing it.
The perspectives of Delhi Metro users vary widely. One commuter noted that a single loud video or phone call can disrupt the entire coach, leading to discussions about whether such behavior is merely inconsiderate or should incur penalties. Aanchal Dwivedi, a makeup artist from Noida, expressed that many people become so engrossed in their content that they overlook the shared nature of public transport. She believes that if repeated announcements fail to change behavior, imposing fines could serve as a necessary reminder of shared responsibilities in public spaces.
Sunanya Juneja, a second-year student at Delhi University, shared her frustrations about fellow commuters playing videos loudly. She suggested that first-time offenders should receive warnings, as carelessness can occur, while repeated violations should result in fines to encourage more thoughtful behavior.
Tanishq Puri, a resident of Punjabi Bagh, echoed the sentiment that fines could be appropriate, stating that the Metro is a communal environment where people expect to read, study, or enjoy a quiet ride. He believes that while awareness is crucial, penalties could foster greater consideration among passengers.
Conversely, Vansh Bajaj, a shop owner in Malviya Nagar, argued against fines, questioning the practicality of enforcing such rules in crowded trains. He suggested that enhancing awareness campaigns and providing information on how passengers can report disturbances would be a more effective approach.
