‘Phone-sticking and running’ metro trend raises safety concerns in Bengaluru

Reel risk: Widely referred to online as the ‘phone-sticking and running’ trend, the stunt involves one creator filming from inside a metro train while another appears to attach a mobile phone to a coach window from the outside. | Photo Credit: File photo A viral social media stunt involving content creators running alongside moving metro trains after attaching mobile phones to coach windows has reached Bengaluru, raising concerns among commuters about passenger safety and the use of metro platforms for social media content.Widely referred to online as the “phone-sticking and running” trend, the stunt involves one creator filming from inside a metro train while another appears to attach a mobile phone to a coach window from the outside. As the train begins to move, the person on the platform runs alongside the accelerating train, dancing or posing while attempting to stay within the phone camera’s frame.The resulting footage creates a cinematic tracking-shot effect, making it appear as though the camera is moving alongside the person before they eventually disappear from view.CriticismSeveral such reels have recently surfaced on social media from metro systems across the country, including Bengaluru. Commuters have expressed concern that metro platforms, meant primarily for the safe movement of passengers, are increasingly being used as backdrops for potentially dangerous social media stunts.The trend has also drawn criticism because creators may become so focused on filming that they ignore other passengers and the platform edge.“I was waiting for a Purple Line train at Cubbon Park station one evening a few days ago when I saw this happening firsthand. A young woman started running as soon as the train began moving. She ran along the platform, apparently focused on the train window and the camera held by someone inside the coach. She was completely oblivious to the people around her,” said Sandeep N., an IT professional.According to Mr. Sandeep, such activities are highly disruptive, particularly during peak hours. “It is highly disruptive and compromises public spaces for a few seconds of social media attention,” he said.Passengers have also pointed to the potential consequences of such behaviour. Running close to the platform edge while attempting to keep pace with a moving train could result in a fall, collision or other serious accident.“This is a dangerous trend that can lead to accidents if left unchecked. The platform edge is meant for disciplined boarding, not high-speed running. If a creator trips, collides with an elderly passenger or loses their footing near the edge while chasing an accelerating train, they could easily fall or be pulled under,” said Malini Sastry, a regular commuter and college lecturer from Indiranagar.She urged the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to take stringent action against such activities.RulesSenior BMRCL officials said that they were not specifically aware of the individual “phone-sticking and running” incidents reported on social media. Official also noted that no formal complaints regarding such incidents had so far been registered with station controllers.However, official clarified that existing rules prohibit unauthorised commercial filming, vlogging and the creation of disruptive social media content within metro premises. Official added that reckless running on platforms or attaching foreign objects to the exterior of moving metro coaches would violate essential safety guidelines.Meanwhile, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has warned social media content creators against shooting videos by sticking mobile phones to metro train windows while the train is in motion.The DMRC said the practice could inconvenience or injure fellow passengers and may also result in damage to the mobile phones used to record the videos. “DMRC authorities are viewing this with all seriousness, and if any content creator is caught indulging in such shoots, necessary action shall be taken,” the corporation said. Published - September 07, 2026 06:01 am IST