Metro clarifies on luggage fee, additional charge only for big bags

Following criticism over imposing additional charges for carrying bags in Namma Metro, BMRCL officials have updated the rules, allowing passengers to carry one bag free of cost as long as it fits in the luggage scanner.

The modification of the rules comes after DH published 'Metro ambushes commuters with arbitrary baggage fee', on December 7.

The officials have taken the note of the fact that the metro now connects three railway stations at Byappanahalli, Yashwanthpur and Majestic area and permitting baggage in the Metro is a necessity.

Sources in the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) said Rs 30 for an additional bag was introduced keeping in mind convenience of passengers.

"Too many luggage in trains will obstruct the movement of passengers. During peak hours, it will lead to inconvenience," they said.

According to the new rule, a passenger can carry one bag whose dimension does not exceed 1.96 ft in length, 1.47 ft in breadth and 0.82 ft in height.

"The earlier rule was similar. This time, it has been made clear that a bag that fits inside the scanner and not bigger than the dimensions specified, would not attract the additional charge," sources said.

With this, those carrying suitcases, trolley bags, duffle bags, big backpacks, roller cases and carton boxes will have to pay the Rs 30 additional charge per bag. Eight categories of bags, including backpacks, briefcases, carry bags and shopping bags, that conform to the specified size will not be considered as luggage.

"The scanning machine is a perfect way to see whether a bag is bigger than permitted size. Any bag or luggage that can't be scanned due to oversizing will also attract the additional charge," the official added.

The new order has dropped reference to the Rs 15 kg limit as specified in the Bangalore Metro Railway (Carriage and Ticket) Rules, 2011.