THE Bhopal Metro, currently operational on the seven-kilometre ‘Priority Corridor’ from Subhash Nagar to AIIMS, has become a major attraction for city dwellers. However, amidst the excitement of the new transit system, a significant misunderstanding regarding ticketing rules for children has surfaced.

 

Metro authorities have issued a clarification: travelling privileges for children are determined strictly by height, not age. The Official Guidelines:Below 3 Feet (90 cm): Travel is completely free. These children can pass through the gates with their guardians without a token. Above 3 Feet: Even if the child is only slightly taller than the 3- foot mark, they are categorised as an ‘Adult’ passenger.

 

This means a full-fare ticket or token is mandatory. The ‘No Half-Ticket’ Policy: Many commuters, accustomed to the traditional railway system, are inadvertently committing errors that could lead to legal trouble. According to metro officials, The Metro’s technology and fare structure follow international protocols. There is no provision for a ‘half-ticket’ in the Metro. A child either falls into the free category or must pay the full fare. This rule is uniform across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and now Bhopal.”

 

Strict Vigilance and Penalties: Observations on the Subhash Nagar-AIIMS route indicate that many parents attempt to take children aged 4 to 6 through the gates without tickets, assuming their young age exempts them. However, Metro security and flying squads are on constant vigil. If a child exceeding the 3- foot limit is found travelling without a valid ticket, it is officially treated as ‘Ticketless Travel.’ In such cases, guardians are liable to pay fines. “A ticket is mandatory for children taller than three feet. This rule is standard across all Metro services in the country,” said Arvind Soni, PRO, Metro Rail.