Indian Railways has reiterated its instructions requiring mobile charging points in train coaches to remain switched off between 11 PM and 5 AM. In a directive dated October 26, the Railway Board asked all zonal railways to ensure that the existing safety guidelines are followed strictly, with no exemptions to the specified overnight shutdown.
The measure is aimed at reducing the risk of electrical incidents and fires inside train coaches. Passengers should therefore be prepared for charging points to be unavailable during the six-hour overnight period.
Why Has the Railway Board Reissued the Instructions?
The latest directive follows an incident on the South Eastern Railway (SER), where a power bank reportedly exploded and began emitting smoke while it was being charged on a train.
According to the Railway Board, the charging points on the train involved had not been switched off during the designated hours. Following the incident, the Board reiterated the need for strict compliance with the overnight charging restrictions to strengthen passenger safety.
Railway Charging Restrictions Date Back to 2014
The Railway Board’s latest communication refers to an earlier instruction issued on June 19, 2014. That directive required mobile charging points in train compartments to be switched off between 11 PM and 5 AM.
The Board has now reminded zonal railways to implement the requirement consistently. The latest communication reinforces the existing safety measure rather than introducing an entirely new restriction.
Staff Accountability and Surprise Inspections
The Railway Board has also emphasised the importance of ensuring that railway employees responsible for these arrangements understand and follow the prescribed procedures.
Relevant staff are to receive appropriate instructions, training and support to help maintain compliance. In addition, surprise inspections will be conducted by officers and management teams to check whether charging points are being switched off at the required times.
These checks are intended to strengthen accountability and reduce the possibility of safety procedures being overlooked.
What Train Passengers Should Know
Passengers travelling by train should plan their device charging around the specified overnight period. Charging points may not be available between 11 PM and 5 AM, so phones and other essential devices should be charged beforehand whenever possible.
The restriction is intended to help minimise the risk of fires and electrical accidents in train coaches. Passengers should follow railway safety instructions and avoid leaving charging devices unattended.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the information provided about the Railway Board’s directive. Passengers should refer to official Indian Railways announcements and instructions from railway staff for the latest guidance. The availability of charging facilities may depend on the applicable railway safety instructions.