Loud Phone Conversations and Music Banned on Trains; Southern Railway Warns of Fines and Jail Terms

New Delhi: Southern Railway has issued a new order imposing penalties for speaking loudly on mobile phones and playing music or videos on speaker mode aboard trains and at railway stations. Violators could face a fine of up to Rs 1,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

Divisions have been instructed to issue warnings to passengers in regional languages, Hindi and English. Announcements will remind passengers to avoid loud phone conversations and playing music or videos through speakers, and to use earphones when necessary.

Action will be taken under Section 145 of the Railways Act. Officials not below the rank of ticket examiner are authorised to impose fines of up to Rs 1,000. Those who ignore warnings and continue to cause disturbances may face imprisonment of up to six months.

Repeat offenders could face imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to Rs 5,000.

The divisions have been directed to submit reports confirming implementation of the order by October 20. Southern Railway said the stricter measures were intended to ensure passengers' comfort and peace during their journeys.