More Than Just an Annoyance
For many commuters, the constant barrage of videos, music, and loud phone calls played on speakers is a significant source of frustration. It disrupts passengers who may be trying to sleep, work, read, or simply travel in peace. In response to a growing
number of complaints, Indian Railways has moved to formally address this 'acoustic tension'. What was once seen as merely poor etiquette is now being treated as a punishable offence, with railway authorities launching awareness campaigns and enforcing stricter rules to ensure a more comfortable journey for everyone, especially in enclosed AC coaches and during overnight trips.
The Official Rulebook
Playing media loudly on your phone falls under the category of 'nuisance' according to railway regulations. The key piece of legislation is Section 145 of the Railways Act, 1989. This rule prohibits behaviour that interferes with the comfort of other passengers. Recent directives, particularly from Southern Railway, have reinforced the enforcement of this act. The rules are especially strict during the designated 'Quiet Hours' from 10 pm to 6 am, a period when all passengers are expected to refrain from making loud noise, and even railway staff are instructed to conduct their duties with minimal disruption.
Fines, Forfeiture, and Even Jail Time
Ignoring these rules can lead to serious consequences. Under the provisions amended by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, any passenger found causing a nuisance can be penalised. Authorised railway staff, such as the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE), can impose a fine of up to ₹1,000. In addition to the fine, the offender can be removed from the train and may have to forfeit their ticket. The penalties escalate significantly for those who don't comply. If a passenger continues to cause a disturbance after being instructed to stop by a railway official, they can face imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both.
How to Report a Nuisance
If you find yourself disturbed by a fellow passenger's loud media, you have several official channels for redressal. The first and most direct option is to inform the TTE, who is empowered to intervene immediately. For a more formal complaint, you can use the integrated Rail Madad helpline by dialling 139. You can also file a complaint online through the official portal (railmadad.indianrailways.gov.in), where you can specify the nature of the nuisance. When filing a complaint, be prepared to provide details of your journey, such as the PNR and coach number, to facilitate swift action.
The Simple Solution: Just Use Earphones
The message from Indian Railways is clear and simple: passengers are strongly advised to use earphones or headphones for any personal audio or video consumption. This small act of consideration allows you to enjoy your content without impacting the travel experience of those around you. Railways are also advising passengers to set their phones to silent or vibration mode and to keep the volume of ringtones low. Ultimately, a train is a shared public space, and ensuring a peaceful journey is a shared responsibility.
