The government has suggested stricter rules for people using the metro, with bigger fines for things like drinking, smoking and protesting. These changes are part of the Jan Vishwas Bill, 2026, introduced in the Lok Sabha.
The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister Jitin Prasada on Friday. It suggests changes to the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002, which is the law that controls Delhi Metro operations. The Bill also suggests changes to the Calcutta Metro Railway (Operation and Maintenance) Temporary Provisions Act, 1985, which is the law that runs Kolkata Metro.
The Bill wants to update metro rules and make punishments stronger. It plans to replace small criminal punishments with higher fines and simple actions.
If the Bill is passed, these new rules will affect metros in cities like Delhi and Kolkata, making travel rules stricter for passengers.
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Higher fines for drinking and smoking
Under the new law, anyone found drunk in the metro may have to pay a fine between Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000, which is much higher than the current Rs 500. They can also be asked to leave the metro. Smoking in metro stations or trains may also lead to a Rs 2,000 fine, instead of the current Rs 250.
Strict action on protests and demonstrations
The government has also suggested stricter rules for protests inside the metro. Sitting in protest or putting up posters may lead to a fine of up to Rs 10,000. Right now, people can face up to six months in jail, or a fine of up to Rs 1,000, or both.
Heavy penalty for walking on tracks
Walking on metro tracks is very dangerous. Right now, the fine is up to Rs 500, but under the new Bill it may increase to up to Rs 20,000. This is being done to keep passengers safe and stop risky actions.
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What the Jan Vishwas Bill aims to do
According to the government, this Bill is an important step to make business and daily life easier. It suggests changes to 784 rules in 79 Central laws handled by 23 ministries. It also removes criminal punishment in 717 rules and changes 67 rules to make life and business smoother.
The Bill proposes changes to the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act, 2002 and the Calcutta Metro Railway Act, 1985. It also covers wider reforms across laws. "The Bill envisages a shift from criminal penalties for minor, technical, or procedural defaults to civil and administrative enforcement mechanisms," a government statement said, according to NDTV reports. "The Bill reflects the Government's commitment to fostering a trust-based legal and compliance environment, where citizens and businesses are not subjected to criminal sanctions for minor non-compliance. By reducing the burden of criminal liability and simplifying regulatory processes, the Bill is expected to enhance compliance, promote investment, and strengthen economic growth," it says.
The proposed changes show a big change in how metro rule breaking will be handled, with more focus on fines instead of jail. This may make rules easier and faster to enforce.
If the Bill is passed, people using the metro will need to be more careful, because even small mistakes could lead to big fines.
