If your metro ride usually comes with loud reels, speakerphone calls, or blaring videos, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has a clear message for you: Turn it down or be ready to pay up.
In a fresh advisory aimed at improving commuter comfort, CMRL has made it mandatory for passengers to follow basic metro etiquette, especially when it comes to noise levels.
The focus is on a growing concern: excessive sound from mobile phones that disrupts the shared travel experience.
According to the advisory, activities such as talking loudly on calls, playing music or videos without headphones, or using speaker mode within metro trains and premises will now be treated as violations.
These actions, often dismissed as minor inconveniences, are increasingly being flagged as a serious nuisance by fellow commuters.
The warning is backed by law. Under Section 59 of the Metro Railway (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2002, any behaviour that causes discomfort or interferes with the convenience of other passengers is a punishable offence.
Those found violating the rules could face a fine of up to ₹500. In certain cases, offenders may also be removed from metro premises by authorised officials.
CMRL has urged passengers to be mindful and adopt simple habits, use headphones, keep conversations low, and avoid putting calls on speaker. These small adjustments, authorities say, can significantly improve the daily commute for thousands who rely on the metro.
The move comes at a time when concerns over "noise pollution" in public transport are growing across the country.
With smartphones, high-speed internet, and endless streaming options becoming an integral part of travel, shared spaces are increasingly turning into personal entertainment zones-often at the cost of others' comfort.
Earlier this month, the Indian Railway Board also stepped in with a similar message, intensifying its campaign for onboard etiquette. In a direct appeal to passengers, Railways urged: "Please use headphones."
Officials noted that loud audio from phones, tablets, and laptops has become one of the biggest sources of disturbance during train journeys.
The surge in digital consumption has led to what authorities describe as rising "acoustic tension" among commuters, with frequent conflicts over noise levels.
As connectivity improves and content consumption increases, the tendency to stream videos or take calls on speaker has grown rapidly, prompting transport authorities to enforce stricter norms.
For regular travellers, the shift is both timely and necessary. Complaints about intrusive audio, especially during peak hours, have been steadily rising, with many passengers seeking a quieter, more respectful travel environment.
The message from both metro and railway authorities is consistent: public transport is a shared space, and mutual consideration is key.
So the next time you board a metro or train, remember, your playlist might be your escape, but it doesn't have to be everyone else's.