On Oct 19 2026 Southern Railway issued a fresh directive that passengers who play music or make noisy phone calls on train coaches or at stations can be fined up to Rs 1,000, and repeat offenders may face up to six months imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000.
The Chennai headquarters sent a letter urging travelers to use earphones and keep volume low, warning that loud audio from mobile speakers disrupts fellow commuters and hampers rest during journeys.
To spread the message, railway divisions will broadcast announcements in Hindi, English and regional languages and display notices on platforms and inside coaches. The notice stresses that staff may seize tickets or passes and impose the fine if a nuisance persists.
The move echoes Railway Board instructions dated July 23 2012, which already advised passengers to avoid speaking loudly on mobile phones, keep ringtones muted, and refrain from playing music through speakers, especially in air‑conditioned coaches.
Section 145 of the Railways Act, as amended by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act 2026, provides the legal basis for action against nuisance, indecent behaviour or willful interference with railway amenities. An authorised commercial employee not below the rank of ticket examiner may levy the Rs 1,000 penalty, while continued defiance can trigger imprisonment, a higher fine, or both.
Southern Railway has asked each division to submit a report on the steps taken to enforce the new rules by Oct 20 2026, ensuring that the guidelines are implemented before the next travel season.
A senior Southern Railway official said the initiative aims to guarantee a peaceful and comfortable ride for passengers, particularly on long‑distance services where loud music and videos have become a common source of disturbance.
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📰 Source: Mangalore Today