Lakhs of passengers travel daily in Delhi Metro, which is considered the lifeline of Delhi-NCR. There is often confusion in the minds of passengers regarding what is allowed and what is prohibited in the metro. Many questions are asked especially regarding liquor. As per the official rules of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and security agency CISF, carrying liquor bottles in Delhi Metro trains is completely legal. However, this permission is not without conditions; For this, DMRC and the excise departments of the respective states have set very strict rules, ignoring which can lead to legal trouble or jail. Concession of maximum 2 sealed bottles per passenger An adult passenger can carry a maximum of 2 bottles of liquor with him as per DMRC guidelines: The bottle must be completely sealed: The lid or seal of the liquor bottle should not be unsealed during the journey. If the bottle is found open during security checking (X-ray machine or CISF search), it will not be allowed to be taken inside the Metro premises at all. For personal use: This permission applies only to passengers carrying for personal consumption. It is illegal to carry alcohol in bulk or for the purpose of commercial carriage. Complete ban on drinking alcohol inside the metro premises or in the train. Permission to carry a liquor bottle does not mean freedom to consume alcohol under any circumstances. Heavy fines and punishment for drinking: Opening or consuming liquor in the metro train coach, platform, concourse, stairs or any part of the metro station premises is strictly prohibited. Legal action on inappropriate behaviour: If a passenger is found drunk or misbehaving, rowdy or rude with co-passengers, an immediate financial penalty can be imposed on him under the Metro Operation and Management Act. Apart from this, CISF and Delhi Metro Police can take him into custody and issue challan under criminal sections. Passengers traveling to Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram should take special care. Although the DMRC rule allows 2 sealed bottles on the entire metro network (including the Airport Express Line), while crossing the state borders, the 'Excise Law' of the respective state comes into effect: Uttar Pradesh (Noida/Ghaziabad): According to the Uttar Pradesh Excise Act, bringing liquor from any other state (Delhi or Haryana) into the UP border comes in the prohibited category. If after purchasing liquor from Delhi and getting down at the metro station of Noida or Ghaziabad, if caught during the checking of UP Excise Department, the bottle may be confiscated and you may have to face fine or legal action on the charges of smuggling. Haryana (Gurugram/Faridabad): Similarly, Haryana Excise Rules also have their own restrictions on inter-state liquor transportation. If you are traveling within Delhi, you can travel without any worries with 2 sealed bottles. But if you are entering the UP border from Delhi, it is wise to avoid carrying liquor to avoid complications with local excise rules.
