Had a few drinks? You may be allowed in Delhi Metro

In a move that spells relief for those returning home after having a few drinks, the Central Industrial Security Force has asked the Delhi Metro to amend its act that says passengers in an inebriated state cannot travel by the metro.

In a move that spells relief for those returning home after having a few drinks, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has asked the Delhi metro to amend its act that says passengers in an inebriated state cannot travel by the metro.

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In 2013, over 5,500 passengers were challaned and were asked to deboard the metro after they were found to be intoxicated.

The CISF’s crackdown on drunk passengers had raised questions as Delhi Police encourages use of public transport in their campaign against drunken driving.

After consulting seniors, the CISF has asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to prepare a guideline for passengers, who are drunk.

“Section 59 of the DMRC Act says passengers under the influence of alcohol should not be allowed to board the metro. We have requested them to change it and instead of barring every drunken passenger, those fit enough to walk or are accompanied by someone who is not drunk, should be allowed to travel by the metro. The decision should be taken by the person on frisking duty,” said a senior CISF official, requesting anonymity.

Since alcohol bottles are banned in the metro, the CISF feels banning drunk passengers will encourage drunken driving and result in road accidents.

“If we find a passenger is misbehaving or may misbehave with fellow passengers during his journey, we can ask the passenger to deboard,” the official added.

The number of passengers caught in an inebriated state in 2013 has jumped 10 times against the previous year. While in 2012, only 591 passengers were caught travelling drunk on the Delhi metro, the number increased to 5,587 in 2013.

In 2011, Delhi Police had caught 107 passengers travelling in a drunken state. According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Act, passengers found misbehaving under the influence of alcohol can be fined `250.

“If our staff on frisking duty finds a passenger is not in a condition to travel, he will be turned away from the gate itself. If the passenger objects, a breath analyser test will be conducted,” the official further said.