Passengers travelling by train in India are being warned against playing music, watching reels or making loud phone calls on speaker mode.
Under a Southern Railway directive, behaviour that causes a nuisance to fellow passengers can attract a fine of up to Rs 1,000 for an initial offence, while continued violations may lead to a fine of up to Rs 5,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
The advisory asks passengers to use earphones while listening to music or watching videos and to keep phone conversations quiet.
The aim is to make train journeys more comfortable, particularly for people resting in enclosed coaches and during overnight travel.
The instructions follow complaints about loud mobile phone use inside trains and at railway stations.
Southern Railway has directed its divisions to spread awareness through public announcements and notices explaining the consequences of disturbing other passengers.
Indian Railways Earphone Rule and Penalties
The Southern Railway communication refers to Section 145 of the Railways Act, as amended through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026.
The provision addresses nuisance and disruptive conduct on railway premises, including behaviour that affects the comfort and safety of other passengers.
Under the reported enforcement guidelines, a passenger causing a nuisance may face a penalty of up to Rs 1,000 and removal from railway premises, including a train coach, where applicable.
The passenger’s ticket or pass may also be affected under the relevant provisions.
If a passenger continues the nuisance despite being directed to stop by an authorised railway employee, the consequences can be more serious.
The reported legal provisions allow for simple imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both, depending on the circumstances.
These penalties should not be interpreted as an automatic punishment for every person watching a video on a phone.
The concern is disruptive behaviour that amounts to a nuisance under the applicable rules, and enforcement depends on the facts of the case.
 Why Are Railway Officials Asking Passengers to Use Earphones?
The widespread use of smartphones and mobile internet has made it easy for passengers to stream videos, watch short-form content and listen to music while travelling.
However, playing audio through phone speakers can disturb people sitting nearby, especially when several passengers do it simultaneously.
Loud phone calls and prolonged conversations can also make it difficult for other travellers to rest or enjoy a peaceful journey.
The problem can be particularly noticeable in air-conditioned coaches, where passengers may expect a quieter environment.
The Railway Board had previously issued guidance on mobile phone etiquette in a communication dated July 23, 2012.
Those instructions addressed loud conversations, lengthy calls and disruptive ringtones, and encouraged passengers to keep their phones on silent or vibration mode and avoid speaking loudly.
The latest Southern Railway directive renews attention to these concerns and specifically highlights the disturbance caused by playing music and videos through speakers.
The instructions are intended to encourage cooperation before situations escalate into complaints or enforcement action.
How Will the Railway Rule Be Enforced?
Southern Railway has instructed its divisions to communicate the advisory through public-address announcements in regional languages, Hindi and English.
Notices and stickers are also intended to remind passengers to use earphones and avoid loud conversations on trains and railway premises.
Authorised railway commercial staff, including eligible ticket examiners, can take action against passengers who violate the applicable provisions.
Travellers who experience persistent disturbances can bring the matter to the attention of railway staff rather than confronting the person directly.
Passengers can also use the Rail Madad app to report railway-related complaints.
Providing details about the train, coach and nature of the disturbance can help staff understand the issue and respond appropriately.
 What Passengers Should Do During Train Journeys
Travellers can avoid unnecessary disputes by using earphones or headphones for music, videos and reels.
They should keep phone calls brief and at a low volume, set ringtones to a reasonable level and use silent or vibration mode when appropriate.
Parents and guardians should also ensure that children watching cartoons or videos use earphones at a suitable volume.
Being considerate of fellow passengers is particularly important during night journeys, when many people are trying to sleep.
Passengers should remember that the reported penalties relate to nuisance and disruptive conduct, rather than a blanket ban on using mobile phones.
Following railway staff instructions and respecting the comfort of others can help prevent complaints and possible legal action.
The central message of Southern Railway’s advisory is simple: enjoy mobile entertainment without disturbing others.
Using earphones and keeping conversations quiet can help make shared train journeys more comfortable for everyone.
