The New Directive Explained
Southern Railway has issued a clear directive to all its divisions: passengers are prohibited from playing music, videos, or any audio on their mobile phones' speakers while on trains or at railway stations. The advisory specifically targets behaviour
that causes a nuisance to fellow travellers. Commuters are now explicitly required to use earphones or headphones if they wish to consume audio or video content. This also extends to phone conversations, with the railway urging passengers to keep their voices low to avoid disturbing others. The move is a response to a growing number of complaints about the 'acoustic tension' created by personal devices in shared public spaces.
Why the Crackdown Is Happening Now
While rules around causing a public nuisance have existed for years, this renewed focus comes after a recent amendment to railway law. A circular issued in October 2026 by Southern Railway's headquarters directed its six divisions—Chennai, Palakkad, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, and Salem—to begin a concerted awareness campaign. This includes making announcements in English, Hindi, and regional languages and posting notices. The primary driver is the widespread availability of high-speed mobile internet, which has led to an increase in passengers watching reels, movies, and other content without headphones, particularly creating disturbances in enclosed AC coaches and during overnight journeys.
The Consequences: Fines and Penalties
Ignoring this advisory can lead to significant penalties. The action is being taken under Section 145 of the Railways Act, which deals with nuisance and was recently updated by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026. For a first-time offence of causing a nuisance, a passenger can be fined up to ₹1,000 and may even be removed from the train. Their ticket or pass could also be forfeited. If a passenger continues the behaviour despite a warning from an authorised railway official, the penalties become much steeper: imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both.
Who Will Enforce the Rule?
The responsibility for enforcement will fall on authorised railway staff. This includes competent commercial staff, such as Ticket Examiners (TEs) and Travelling Ticket Inspectors (TTIs), who will be empowered to impose and collect the fines from violators on the spot. The directive is not just about penalising passengers but also about sensitising them. Divisions have been asked to report back on their implementation efforts, indicating a serious push to make this rule stick.
A Nationwide Standard for Travel Etiquette
While the latest push is from Southern Railway, the underlying principle is a nationwide one. The Railway Board had first issued circulars asking zones to curb this menace as far back as 2012. The issue of mobile phone etiquette, from loud ringtones to lengthy conversations, has been a long-standing concern for Indian Railways. Officials have noted that the same provisions under the Railways Act can be invoked by other railway zones and even metro rail systems across the country to tackle similar noise-related issues. The goal is to establish a consistent standard of respectful behaviour in spaces shared by millions daily.
