Namma Metro Considers Policy Shift: Sealed Liquor Bottles May Soon Be Allowed On Trains

February 20, 2026

In a move that could significantly change the commuting experience for thousands in Karnataka’s capital, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is reportedly reviewing its long-standing ban on carrying liquor bottles. Following years of public feedback and the upcoming expansion of the metro network to the international airport, the corporation has granted "in-principle approval" to permit sealed liquor bottles on its trains.

The "Delhi Model": A Roadmap For Change

The proposed policy shift is largely inspired by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). Currently, the Delhi Metro allows passengers to carry up to two sealed bottles of alcohol per person on its lines, a rule that was specifically popularized by its Airport Express Line to accommodate travelers arriving with duty-free purchases.

BMRCL officials have indicated that Namma Metro will likely adopt a similar framework. The shift is strategically timed with the development of the Blue Line (Airport Line), which will connect the city to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). Since many air travelers carry sealed liquor bottles, the current ban poses a significant logistical hurdle for those wishing to use the metro for airport transfers.

Why The Ban Is Being Re-evaluated

Under current regulations, liquor is classified under the "flammable items" category (alongside spirits and certain chemicals) among the 58 prohibited items listed by the BMRCL. However, officials have recently acknowledged the lack of a strong legal or safety basis for a total ban on sealed containers.

Key factors driving the review include:

Public Demand: BMRCL has received numerous requests from commuters questioning why sealed bottles are treated differently than other retail luggage.
Logical Consistency: Authorities noted that while carrying alcohol is currently banned, passengers who have consumed alcohol (within permissible limits) are already allowed to travel, provided they maintain decorum.
Enforcement Challenges: There have been reports of inconsistent enforcement, with security staff at some stations occasionally allowing sealed bottles while others strictly confiscate them.

Integration With The Airport Line

While the in-principle approval is a major step, the full implementation is expected to coincide with the operationalization of the Airport Metro Line, which is projected to be ready in approximately two years.

Once the airport connectivity is live, the metro will become a primary transit mode for international and domestic tourists. Allowing sealed bottles would align Namma Metro with international transit standards and make it a more viable alternative to taxis for airport commuters.

Safety And Regulations

The BMRCL has clarified that even if the ban is lifted, strict rules will remain in place:

Sealed Only: Only factory-sealed bottles will be permitted. Open bottles or consumption of alcohol inside stations and trains will remain strictly prohibited.
Quantity Limits: Much like the Delhi model, there will likely be a cap on the number of bottles a single passenger can carry (likely two).
Conduct: Security personnel will retain the right to bar any individual who is visibly intoxicated or behaving in a manner that causes discomfort to other passengers.

Summing Up

The decision to allow sealed liquor bottles marks a pragmatic shift for Namma Metro as it evolves from a city-centric service to a regional transport backbone. By moving away from a blanket ban and adopting a regulated "Delhi-style" model, the BMRCL aims to enhance commuter convenience without compromising safety.

While the change is not yet official policy, the ongoing deliberations suggest that by the time the first metro train reaches Kempegowda International Airport, "Namma Metro" will have a significantly more flexible set of rules for the modern traveler.