Planning an overnight train journey? You might want to charge your devices beforehand. Indian Railways has reinforced its rule to switch off all mobile and laptop charging sockets on trains between 11 PM and 5 AM. Here’s what’s behind this decision.
Safety First: The 'Why' Behind the Blackout
The
primary reason for the six-hour power cut is fire safety. The Railway Board has consistently pointed to the potential hazard posed by electronic devices, especially when left charging unattended overnight. Faulty batteries, overheating power banks, or damaged cables can create a significant fire risk in a moving train. A recent directive on October 26, 2026, was prompted by an incident on a South Eastern Railway train where a passenger's power bank reportedly exploded and filled a coach with smoke. Fortunately, no major injuries were reported, but the incident served as a stark reminder of the potential dangers and led to a strict reiteration of the existing rule.
Not a New Rule, but a Strict Reminder
This night-time charging ban is not a new policy. The rule was first introduced by the Railway Board back in June 2014. The decision was based on a recommendation from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) following a serious fire incident in an AC coach of the Bengaluru-Hazur Sahib Nanded Express in 2013. Initially, the CRS suggested a shutdown from 10 PM to 6 AM, but the Railway Board adjusted the timing to 11 PM to 5 AM to balance safety with passenger convenience. Over the years, the rule's enforcement has been inconsistent. However, following recent incidents, including fires in 2021 and 2023, the Railways has repeatedly issued circulars to all zones, urging strict and unwavering compliance.
What This Means for Your Journey
For passengers on long-distance, overnight trips, this rule presents a practical challenge. The six-hour window without access to charging ports means you can't rely on the train's power supply to keep your devices running through the night. The directive applies to all charging points for mobile phones and laptops. Passengers are now advised to fully charge their electronic devices before boarding or ensure they have a fully charged power bank as a backup. The rule only affects the charging sockets; the use of mobile phones or other devices is not restricted. Railway officials have also noted that the measure helps prevent mobile phone theft, as devices are not left unattended at charging stations overnight.
Ensuring Compliance Across the Network
To ensure the rule is followed without fail, the Railway Board has instructed all zonal railways to brief, counsel, and train the relevant onboard staff. The responsibility lies with the staff to manually switch off the power supply to these charging points at 11 PM and restore it after 5 AM. Furthermore, the directive calls for surprise inspections by both officers and supervisors to monitor and enforce compliance. While the rule has been effectively implemented in AC coaches, officials have previously noted that deploying staff to enforce it in every non-AC sleeper coach was considered challenging due to the high costs involved. However, the latest orders emphasize that there should be no exceptions.
