Southern Railway cracks whip on noisy train passengers; loud music could mean jail
This latest measure builds upon guidelines originally introduced by the Railway Board in 2012, which aimed to curb loud mobile chatter, lengthy phone conversations, and disruptive ringtones inside train coaches.
This latest measure builds upon guidelines originally introduced by the Railway Board in 2012, which aimed to curb loud mobile chatter, lengthy phone conversations, and disruptive ringtones inside train coaches.
This latest measure builds upon guidelines originally introduced by the Railway Board in 2012, which aimed to curb loud mobile chatter, lengthy phone conversations, and disruptive ringtones inside train coaches.
Train passengers who insist on watching videos or listening to music on mobile phone speakers without using earphones should think again, now on. Southern Railway has ordered strict action against travellers who disturb fellow passengers by playing loud audio or engaging in noisy conversations on board trains and at railway stations. First-time offenders face a fine of ₹1,000, while repeat offenders risk imprisonment.
Strict action against noise nuisance
Southern Railway’s commercial department issued a circular noting that the widespread availability of high-speed mobile internet has led to a surge in passengers playing loud videos and audio tracks on speaker mode.
To tackle this growing annoyance, railway authorities have directed stations and train staff to run public awareness announcements in regional languages, Hindi, and English. Passengers will be strictly advised to use earphones and avoid talking loudly on phones.
Divisional offices have been instructed to submit their awareness drive reports by October 20.
Penalties and enforcement powers
The crackdown is being enforced under Section 145 of the Railway Act, which deals with causing a nuisance or disturbance to fellow passengers. Authorised commercial staff, not below the rank of Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE), are empowered to penalise offenders with a ₹1,000 fine, cancel their tickets, or even remove them from the train.
If a passenger continues to defy warnings issued by railway personnel, they could face up to six months of imprisonment, a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both.
Building on existing guidelines
This latest measure builds upon guidelines originally introduced by the Railway Board in 2012, which aimed to curb loud mobile chatter, lengthy phone conversations, and disruptive ringtones inside train coaches. The current directive specifically expands those measures to target video streaming and speaker mode usage, ensuring a quiet and peaceful journey for everyone.