The Core of the Advisory: Use Earphones
The main thrust of the recent directive from Southern Railway is a push against digital noise pollution. In a circular issued in early October 2026, the railway has instructed its divisions to sensitise passengers against playing music, videos, or other
audio on their mobile phone speakers while on trains or at stations. The primary instruction is simple: passengers should use earphones or headphones to avoid disturbing fellow travellers. This isn't a blanket ban on all sound, but a targeted effort to curb a specific and growing nuisance that has led to numerous complaints. The advisory is about promoting better travel etiquette in shared public spaces.
Why Was This Rule Necessary?
This move is a direct response to an increasing number of passenger complaints filed through official channels like the Rail Madad grievance system. Travellers, particularly in enclosed AC coaches, have frequently reported disturbances caused by others watching movies, listening to music, or taking calls on speakerphone. The advisory notes that with widespread and affordable mobile internet, this behaviour has become highly prevalent. The goal is to create a more peaceful and comfortable environment for everyone, acknowledging that what one person enjoys as entertainment can be a significant source of annoyance for those seated nearby.
Enforcement and Penalties
To ensure compliance, the advisory is not just a polite request; it has teeth. Southern Railway has invoked Section 145 of the Railways Act, which deals with creating a nuisance or acts of indecency. According to the circular, passengers found causing a disturbance through loud audio may face a penalty of up to ₹1,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. The railway has authorised staff, not below the rank of Ticket Examiner, to enforce these rules and impose fines where necessary. Divisions have been instructed to raise awareness through notices and public announcements in English, Hindi, and regional languages.
Distinguishing Between Advisories
It’s important to distinguish this recent advisory from a separate, earlier initiative to create 'silent railway stations'. In early 2023, for example, Chennai's Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station experimented with stopping all pre-recorded public address announcements, including advertisements and jingles. That project was aimed at reducing overall station noise by relying on digital display boards and inquiry booths for passenger information. The current advisory, however, is focused specifically on noise created by passengers themselves using personal devices. While both aim to reduce noise pollution, they target different sources of sound.
What This Means for Your Next Trip
For the average passenger, this rule is a welcome step towards a more considerate travel culture. The essential, operational announcements regarding train arrivals, departures, platform changes, and delays will continue as usual over the station's public address system. The change primarily affects personal behaviour. Before you play a video or start a long, loud phone call, you'll be expected to plug in your earphones. This aligns with similar 'quiet hours' rules already in place on night trains, which prohibit loud conversations and other disturbances between 10 pm and 6 am to allow passengers to rest. Ultimately, the advisory is a formal reminder that a train coach is a shared space, and a little courtesy goes a long way.
