To combat this, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has now announced that passengers indulging in such behaviour inside metro trains and station premises will face a hefty fine under a recent amendment to the Metro Railways Act.
As part of its efforts to improve commuter experience, minimise noise pollution and ensure a more comfortable travel environment for passengers, the Chennai metro said that passengers violating the rule can face a fine of up to ₹2,500.
“CMRL requests all passengers to use headphones; avoid speaker mode and loud conversations in metro premises to respect fellow commuters’ comfort,” it said in a statement.
Metro Passengers, Attention!
Playing music on speaker, watching videos aloud, or creating loud disturbances can attract a fine of up to ₹2,500.
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???? Let’s keep Chennai Metro comfortable for everyone.#ChennaiMetro #CMRL… pic.twitter.com/lPFFpjEgKz— Chennai Metro Rail (@cmrlofficial) July 11, 2026
Fine amount increased
This development follows amendments notified by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) through a Gazette notification issued on June 19, 2026. Under the revised provisions introduced through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, the penalty for creating a nuisance or discomfort to fellow passengers under Section 59 of the Metro Railways (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2002 has been substantially enhanced.
The fine for passengers using mobile phones in a manner that creates excessive noise such as loud conversations, playing music or videos without headphones, and using speaker mode inside metro trains and premises has been increased from the earlier ₹500 to up to ₹2,500, and offenders may also be removed from metro premises by authorised officials.
In a statement, CMRL said the revised penalty applies to passengers who create disturbances, including playing music or videos without headphones, using mobile phones on loudspeaker, or engaging in excessive noise that affects fellow commuters.
“As detailed in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) Gazette notification dated 19.06.2026, the penalty under Section 59 for creating a nuisance (such as listening to music without a headset) has been increased from the earlier fine of ₹ 500 to a fine of up to ₹2,500, alongside potential removal from the metro premises by authorised officials,” CMRL said.
CMRL’s passenger awareness campaign
Last month, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited conducted a passenger awareness campaign to enhance the overall commuter experience and promote safe and disciplined travel. The campaign focused on the following important practices:
- Allow passengers to alight before boarding.
- Keep train doors clear and unobstructed.
- Avoid crossing the yellow line while waiting on the platform.
- Follow the “Stand Left, Walk Right” practice while using escalators.
- Use headphones for personal audio and video entertainment.
