The New Crackdown on Noise
Southern Railway has launched a significant awareness campaign across its divisions, urging passengers to maintain a quieter environment on trains and at stations. The advisory specifically targets travellers who play music or videos on their mobile phone
speakers, engage in loud phone conversations, or use disruptive ringtones. The goal is to curb what has become a common source of complaints and improve the overall travel experience for everyone, especially in enclosed AC coaches where noise travels easily. To ensure the message gets across, announcements are being made in regional languages, Hindi, and English, and notices are being posted in prominent locations.
What Exactly Constitutes a Nuisance?
The railway's definition of 'nuisance' is broad but clear. The primary targets are audio-related disturbances. Playing any form of media—music, videos, reels, or podcasts—on a device's loudspeaker instead of using personal earphones is now a finable offence. Additionally, the rule covers loud and lengthy phone conversations that disrupt the peace of fellow passengers. The advisory is part of a larger code of conduct that also includes 'Quiet Hours' between 10 pm and 6 am, during which all main lights are switched off and loud talking is prohibited to allow passengers to rest. Essentially, any act that wilfully interferes with the comfort of other travellers can be classified as a nuisance.
The Legal Power Behind the Fine
This isn't just a polite suggestion; it's backed by law. The crackdown is being enforced under Section 145 of the Railways Act, 1989. This section deals with committing any nuisance or act that interferes with the comfort of other passengers. An amendment through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, has clarified the penalties. For a first-time offence, an authorised railway official can impose a fine of up to Rs 1,000 and even remove the passenger from the train, forfeiting their ticket. The consequences become much more severe for those who ignore warnings. If a passenger continues the nuisance after being told to stop by railway staff, they can face imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both.
Who Enforces the Rule and How?
Authorised railway personnel, specifically commercial staff not below the rank of a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE), are empowered to enforce this rule. These officials can directly penalise offenders on the spot. However, the responsibility for a peaceful journey is also shared with passengers. If you are being disturbed, you don't have to suffer in silence. You can report the nuisance to the TTE, the coach attendant, or other on-duty railway staff. Passengers can also use the official Rail Madad helpline at 139 or the railway's online complaint portal to register a grievance. Providing details like the train and coach number will help authorities address the issue promptly.
Why the Renewed Focus Now?
While rules against causing a nuisance have existed for years, the recent push by Southern Railway—with other zones like Northern and Western Railway planning similar initiatives—is a direct response to a surge in passenger complaints. The widespread availability of high-speed mobile data has led to an increase in people streaming content publicly on their devices, creating an 'acoustic tension' in shared spaces. The railways have recognised that the problem was escalating and that previous, less stringent measures had a limited impact. This new, stricter enforcement, armed with clearer penalties under the amended Jan Vishwas Act, represents a more determined effort to ensure that train travel remains a comfortable and pleasant experience for all.
