Travelling by metro in Kolkata? Leave the dynamite, fish and skeleton behind

If your metro bag looks like a mix between a toolbox, a fish market and a villain’s starter kit—pause right there. Kolkata Metro has put up a no-nonsense (and slightly hilarious) list of prohibited items. The motive? Fewer dramatic showdowns at security where someone insists that their ilish maach getting a metro ride is perfectly normal. The message is clear: what you carry matters – and “I didn’t know” won’t cut it anymore.This isn’t a war zone or a construction siteChisels, hammers, crowbars and axes being banned makes sense. No one wants a DIY project happening mid-commute. Knives, scissors and swords? Fair enough—this isn’t a period drama. But then comes the stuff that has commuters chuckling: dynamite, gunpowder, hand grenades. As one baffled passenger quipped, “Who exactly is carrying a hand grenade to the metro?” and where are they exactly going with it? Security says these items often lead to arguments at checkpoints, especially when people try to sneak past scanners like it’s a spy movie. Spoiler: it never ends well.No fish, no fuel, no… skeleton plansHere comes in more drama: Raw fish and meat are banned too “But, they’ve relaxed rules for carrying cow dung instead” joked one commuter. Also, on the no-entry list: alcohol, petroleum, acids, radioactive materials – and wait for it – human ashes and skeletons. Yes, skeletons. Which led to the most relatable reaction of the day: “Honestly, isn’t it inconvenient to take out the skeleton from our bodies every time we step out?” Authorities insist the rules are serious—₹500 fine or even jail for major violations. Moral of the story? Travel light… and if your luggage sounds like the plot of a crime thriller, a fish market, or a haunted house—maybe rethink that metro ride.