Following the clarification made by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) regarding the allowance of commuters to carry two sealed bottles of alcohol on its network, the Noida Excise department has issued a cautionary advisory concerning metro stations under its jurisdiction.
According to officials from Noida, the existing rule allows for the import of only one unsealed bottle from the adjoining regions of Delhi or Haryana, whether it is through the metro or by road.
“Although the Delhi Metro has allowed commuters to carry two sealed bottles of liquor, the rules of the Uttar Pradesh Excise Department apply in its jurisdiction, irrespective of any changes in Delhi,” a senior Noida District Excise official said.
The officer further stated that the excise department will enhance its surveillance at metro stations and initiate legal measures against commuters found carrying more than one sealed liquor bottle from outside Uttar Pradesh (UP). Additionally, efforts will be made to educate and inform commuters about the excise regulations in UP, aiming to prevent any inconvenience.
If an individual is found carrying an excess quantity of liquor beyond the permitted limit into the jurisdiction, the official stated that legal action would be taken under Section 63 of the Excise Act. This particular section deals with penalties for unlawful import, export, transport, manufacture, possession, and sale of liquor, and it is considered a non-bailable offense.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) clarified on Friday that the carriage of alcohol was prohibited on the Delhi Metro until last year, with the exception of the Airport Express Line. The recent decision to allow alcohol across the entire network is part of the DMRC’s policy to establish uniformity in this regard.
The Delhi Metro has revealed that a committee consisting of officials from the CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) and the DMRC conducted a comprehensive review of the list of items permitted to be carried on trains.
While permitting the carriage of alcohol, the DMRC has appealed to passengers to maintain decorum during their travel. The DMRC has also issued a warning that individuals found behaving inappropriately or indecently under the influence of alcohol will face appropriate legal action.