Delhi Metro warns influencers against gluing phones to train windows

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has issued a formal warning to social media influencers and content creators against sticking or gluing mobile phones to the windows of moving trains. The directive comes as the transit agency seeks to curb a dangerous filming trend that prioritizes viral content over passenger safety.

According to official statements from the DMRC, the agency noticed a rise in creators pasting their mobile devices to metro windows to capture exterior perspectives of the moving train. The DMRC stated that this practice can cause inconvenience or even injury to other passengers, while also posing a significant risk of damage to the mobile devices themselves. The warning was shared via the agency's Instagram account to directly reach the demographic most likely to engage in the behavior.

The rise of 'extreme' filming

This trend is part of a broader shift in short-form video production on platforms like Instagram, where creators employ increasingly creative or extreme techniques to stand out in the attention economy. In Delhi, this has manifested as the use of adhesives to mount phones on the interior of metro windows, creating a 'floating' camera effect that captures the city's scenery as the train accelerates. While the resulting videos often gain traction online, they bypass standard safety protocols for public transit.

Public safety vs. social media

The DMRC's intervention highlights a growing tension between the demands of social media visibility and the strict regulations of public infrastructure. Beyond the immediate risk of a device detaching and falling, the agency is concerned about the physical hazards created by mounting equipment in high-traffic areas. In a crowded metro carriage, any protruding object or adhesive setup can become a trip hazard or a source of distraction for both passengers and train staff, potentially compromising the orderly flow of commuters during peak hours.

Potential consequences

While the initial warning serves as a public notice, the DMRC has indicated that the behavior will not be ignored. According to reports from ANI, the agency has stated that necessary action shall be taken against those found violating these guidelines. Passengers and creators are now being urged to follow safety protocols and avoid any modifications to the train's interior for the sake of content creation. The agency continues to monitor the situation to ensure that the pursuit of viral 'reels' does not lead to preventable accidents within the network.