Bengaluru Metro may soon allow passengers to carry sealed liquor bottles
Bengaluru: Passengers travelling on Namma Metro may soon be permitted to carry sealed liquor bottles, if ongoing discussions within the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) result in a formal policy change, The New Indian Express reported on Wednesday.
Sources in BMRCL said the proposal has been discussed on multiple occasions and was taken up again at a recent meeting. While there is in-principle approval for the move, officials indicated that its implementation may take some time.
“We will follow the Delhi model. Currently, carrying liquor is allowed on the airport line of the Delhi Metro. Once Namma Metro is connected to the airport, which is expected in about two years, liquor will be allowed,” a source said.
Officials clarified that no special licence or separate government approval is required to allow passengers to carry sealed liquor bottles. Once cleared, the rule will be incorporated into the Metro’s operational guidelines.
“At present, it is not allowed, and there is no specific reason for it. People are permitted to travel on Metro trains even after consuming alcohol, as it is a public transport system. However, consumption must be within permissible limits,” an official said.
The official did not specify what constitutes permissible limits but but stressed that passengers should not misbehave or cause discomfort to others.
At present, Namma Metro stations display boards listing 58 prohibited items under eight categories. These including sharp objects, firearms, tools, explosive materials, flammable items, disabling chemicals, offensive items and others. Liquor is listed under flammable items as alcohols and spirits.
“We have received several requests and feedback over the years questioning why liquor is prohibited on a public transport system. Some have pointed out that while eating and drinking are not allowed inside trains, carrying sealed bottles like any other luggage should not pose a problem. There have also been instances where security staff at some stations have allowed passengers to carry bottles,” the official said.
Confirming that discussions are underway, BMRCL Director (RES and O&M) Sumit Bhatnagar reportedly said deliberations on allowing sealed liquor bottles inside Metro trains are ongoing.
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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
