Chennai Metro passengers have one more rule to keep in mind when entering the train now.CMRL has increased the penalty on passengers who play music, videos or other audio without earphones in the metro.
The fine has been increased from Rs 200 to Rs 2,500 and is now one of the stiffest penalties for commuters to be given to reduce their bad habits.
CMRL Issues Mandatory Advisory on Metro Etiquette; Violators to Face Fines for Noise Disturbance
— Chennai Metro Rail (@cmrlofficial) July 10, 2026
CMRL requests passengers to observe Metro etiquettes and show consideration for their fellow passengers.
As per Section 59 of the Metro Railways (Operations and Maintenance)…
The new penalty would help to make travel quieter, more comfortable for thousands of people who travel on the metro every day.Loud phone audio, video, songs and speakerphone conversations have become a bigger problem, especially during peak travel hours.
The decision, according to CMRL officials, is part of a larger effort to maintain decorum and ensure public transport remains comfortable for everyone.
Metro trains are shared public spaces where people are expected to respect fellow passengers and not disrupt those who are commuting at the same time by engaging in activities that cause inconvenience or disturbance.
The added penalty applies to those who play music, movies, social media reels, games or other multimedia content without headphones or earphones.A passenger’s cellphone conversation should be kept at a reasonable volume and not make unnecessary noise in the train and station, officials said.
Apart from noise control, Chennai Metro has also intensified its enforcement against other types of commuter misconduct.
Passengers found to have violated the metro rules such as littering, damaging public property or creating disturbances could also be held to account.Chennai Metro aligns with many metro systems in India and abroad that encourage silent travel and courteous public behaviour.
Increasingly, smartphones have become an important part of everyday life and passengers are watching videos or listening to music without earphones.Regular commuters are happy with the decision. The higher penalty will deter bad behaviour and make travel easier, they say.
In offices, students, senior citizens and families, people want a peaceful commute and the tougher enforcement should be helpful to all.Public awareness will be equally important as punishment, transportation experts say.
Making public announcements, digital signage and awareness campaigns can inform metro users about metro etiquette and also reduce the need for enforcement.CMRL advises passengers to use their own earphones for watching videos and listening to music while they are traveling.
Simple etiquette prevents hefty fines and makes the whole journey more pleasant for all commuters.With the new fine of Rs 2,500 now in place, Chennai Metro is sending a strong message that public transport should be clean, safe, and respectful.
And as passenger numbers continue to rise, maintaining discipline and peace of mind are key to maintaining the city’s rapidly expanding metro network.
