Pet Matrix Series: Pilot to introduce Pets on Bengaluru Metro
- Priya Chetty-Rajagopal
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 5
20 March 2025
Mr. Maheshwar Rao
Chairman
Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL)
III Floor, BMTC Complex, K.H. RoadShantinagar,
Bengaluru - 560 027
via Email:
Dear Mr. Rao,
Subject: Pilot Project to introduce Pets on Bengaluru Metro
Thank you for your team’s support in enabling CARE’s rescue of a stranded cat at the Metro – it was very kind! I am writing to request a small yet significant intervention for pet parents in Bangalore.
As you may be aware, many pet parents struggle to carry their pets in public transport, despite the growing number of pet-friendly Ubers and autos.As a pilot project, the Pet Matrix, I would like to suggest allowing smaller pets, accompanied by their owners, to travel on the metro during weekends. This could start with calm pets that can be carried, such as small dogs, cats, etc , provided they are accompanied by their owners, wear a muzzle and leash, and have up-to-date vaccination records. We could also start only with specific off peak timings, allow only the last carriage to be used, have special off peak hours allowed etc, to minimise co-passenger inconvenience.By introducing this facility, BMRCL would be acknowledging the increasing importance of pets in today's families. Bangalore, known for being the most pet-friendly city in India, would greatly benefit from this initiative. Its also a collective effort to combat climate change. While rules and structures can be established, a trial run with the help of NGOs like ours would be a significant step forward for the petizen community.
Many cities worldwide, such as London, New York, Toronto, Rome, Berlin, Paris Tokyo, Madrid. Paris, Seoul, Moscow, Beijing, Mexico City and Shanghai allow pets on public transport, some with caveats. Indian Railways and KSTDC also have opened up on this. Recently, Montreal’s Fido takes the Metro Pilot campaign was a big success. By considering this pilot project, BMRCL can position itself not only as a compassionate infrastructure partner but also as a true community citizen of Bangalore.We understand that there may be concerns, but with suitable precautions like vaccination records, muzzles, and leashes, and penalties, most issues can be alleviated.
We would be happy to collaborate with BMRCL to establish guidelines and ensure a smooth implementation.Thank you for considering our request. We look forward to your positive response and to working together to make Bangalore's metro pet-friendly and citizen friendlier.
Best regards,
Priya Chetty-Rajagopal
Trustee
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