The Core of the Advisory
Southern Railway has issued a firm directive aimed at curbing noise pollution on its trains and at its stations. In a recent circular, it has instructed staff to take action against passengers who cause a disturbance to others. This isn't just about Instagram
Reels; the rule targets any audio played on a phone's loudspeaker, including music, movies, videos, and even loud phone conversations. The core message is simple: your audio is for your ears only. The advisory explicitly encourages passengers to use headphones or earphones if they wish to consume media during their travels.
What Happens If You Break the Rule?
This isn't just a polite suggestion; the advisory comes with potential penalties enforced under Section 145 of the Railways Act, which deals with nuisance and interference with the comfort of other passengers. First-time offenders could face a fine of up to ₹1,000. Authorised staff, including Travelling Ticket Examiners (TTEs), are empowered to issue these fines. Additionally, they can remove the passenger from the train and even forfeit their ticket for causing a disturbance.
When Do Penalties Escalate?
The consequences can become more severe for those who don't comply after a warning. If a passenger continues to cause a nuisance despite being asked to stop by railway personnel, the penalties can escalate significantly. In such cases, the offender could face imprisonment for up to six months, a fine that could go up to ₹5,000, or both. This tiered approach suggests that the primary goal is to encourage compliance, but the railway is prepared to enforce the rules strictly against persistent violators.
Why This, and Why Now?
The advisory comes in response to a growing number of complaints from passengers. In its circular, Southern Railway noted that the widespread availability of high-speed mobile internet has made playing media on speaker mode a common annoyance. Complaints filed through official channels like the Rail Madad portal highlighted the discomfort and disturbance caused by loud audio, particularly in enclosed spaces like AC coaches. This move is a direct attempt to improve the overall travel experience and create a more peaceful and respectful environment for everyone on board.
A Broader Push for Etiquette
This crackdown on loud media is part of a larger effort by Indian Railways to promote better passenger etiquette. The rules also extend to keeping mobile ringtones at a low volume and avoiding loud, lengthy phone conversations, especially during night hours. In fact, guidelines against such disturbances have been in place since at least 2012, but this recent push by Southern Railway, which other zones like Northern and Western Railway are also reportedly considering, signifies a more concerted effort to enforce them. To ensure the message gets across, divisions have been instructed to use public address systems for announcements in multiple languages and to post notices inside coaches.
