Passengers who play music or videos loudly on their phones or make noisy calls inside trains and railway stations could face penalties under a Southern Railway directive, according to a report by The Times of India published on Monday. The reported penalties include a fine of up to ₹1,000, while repeated nuisance after an official warning could lead to imprisonment of up to six months.
Southern Railway has reportedly invoked Section 145(2) of the Railways Act, as amended by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, to address disturbances caused by passengers using mobile phones without earphones.
The advisory covers loud phone conversations, music and videos played through speakers, and other behaviour that disrupts fellow passengers. It does not mean that every instance of mobile phone use will result in a penalty; the conduct must amount to a public nuisance.
Fine of Up to ₹1,000 for the First Offence
Under the reported directive, passengers found creating a nuisance may be removed from railway premises and fined up to ₹1,000. Depending on the circumstances, railway authorities may also seize their ticket or pass.
Ticket examiners and senior officials from the commercial division have reportedly been authorised to impose the penalty.
To inform passengers about the rules, railway divisions have been instructed to use public announcement systems and display notices at stations and inside trains. Announcements may be made in Hindi, English and regional languages.
Repeated Violations Could Lead to Jail
Passengers who continue disturbing others after being instructed to stop by an authorised railway employee could face more serious consequences.
According to the communication quoted in the report, continued nuisance may attract simple imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both.
The directive is intended to address persistent disturbances rather than penalise passengers simply for using their phones. The key consideration is whether the behaviour causes common injury or annoyance to people using railway services.
Why Southern Railway Issued the Advisory
Southern Railway reportedly observed that passengers playing audio, music and videos through phone speakers at stations and inside trains were affecting the comfort of others.
The communication highlighted the widespread availability of mobile internet and the growing practice of playing online videos and other content aloud in public spaces. It said arrangements were needed to prevent passengers from being inconvenienced during their journeys.
The initiative focuses on reducing avoidable noise and ensuring a more comfortable environment for people travelling by train.
How to Report Loud Music or Phone Calls
Passengers disturbed by loud conversations, speakerphone music or videos can approach railway staff on board or contact the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE). Complaints can also be submitted through the RailMadad portal.
Travellers can help prevent disputes by following a few simple precautions:
- Use earphones or headphones when listening to music, reels or videos.
- Keep phone conversations quiet and brief, particularly in sleeper coaches and at night.
- Inform the TTE or other railway staff about persistent disturbances, or use RailMadad.
- Follow instructions from authorised railway employees to avoid escalating the situation.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a media report about a Southern Railway communication. The application of railway laws and penalties depends on the applicable provisions and circumstances of each case. Passengers should refer to official railway notifications for the latest confirmed rules and enforcement details.