BMRCL has been moving away from the ban on alcohol on all rail transport to encourage public transport. Internal sources and recent high-level meetings held on the 18th of February 2026 indicate that BMRCL is considering making it possible for passengers to have sealed liquor bottles in all of its lines. The suggestion is a radical departure from the city’s policy on transporting alcohol, which was zero tolerance of alcohol carriage since 2019.
The "Delhi Model" in Focus
The motivation for this debate is the successful operation of the same regulatory framework set up by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). Currently DMRC allows passengers to carry up to two sealed liquor bottles per person on all its lines from the Metro Rail Network to the Airport Express Line. BMRCL officials are reportedly studying the Delhi model to ascertain its safety and effect on passengers' decorum.
"We have received consistent feedback from the public, especially concerning what will become an Airport Line connection. Arriving passengers from international or domestic flights often take away duty-free liquor, and it simply doesn’t make sense to prevent them from using public transport," said a senior BMRCL official.
Why was it originally prohibited?
Alcohol was in the past classified under BMRCL-wide list as a “flammable substance.” In the underground and elevated stations of the rail network, this prohibition is entirely applicable. The ban was also tightened in 2019 after alcohol consumption in station lavatories led to public nuisances involving passengers.
The prohibition of consumption will be absolute under the proposed new guidelines. Drinking in the train or on the station property would still carry heavy fines, detention, and potentially even criminal charges. The relaxation is limited to the carriage of unopened, sealed containers.
How to integrate into the Airport Line
The timing of this deliberation is vital. The Blue Line (Airport Metro) is forecast to be operational in the coming months, so BMRCL understands that prohibiting access could prove a huge deterrent for air travelers. In aligning with that of other major metros, the corporation wants to make the transit system more user-friendly for international travelers.
Implementation and Legal Obstacles
Although a lot of positive potential is in “in-principle” discussions, there are still some stages ahead in terms of carrying a bottle on to the Green or Purple lines:
- Rule Amendment: The BMRCL must amend its "Carriage of Goods" regulations.
- Security Training: The CISF and private security people at baggage scanners need to undergo a refresh course in order to better distinguish between "sealed" and "unsealed" containers.
- Excise Compliance: The travel of liquor is also governed by the Excise Act of Karnataka, which defines what is the legal quantity of alcohol for an individual to transport without the requisite authorization.
- Commuter Note: As of today, the ban endures. Passengers found at security checkpoints with liquor bottles will still be asked to dispose of them or leave the station at any cost.
