Known as Maharashtra’s cultural and educational capital, Pune is now battling an unexpected menace in its Metro system — rampant tobacco consumption and spitting.

The Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation (Maha-Metro) has banned the carrying of tobacco, cigarettes, lighters, gas cylinders, alcohol, pet animals, and any other flammable materials. Yet, despite these prohibitions, commuters continue to flout the rules, leaving behind unsightly stains of tobacco spit across the stations.