Indian Railways Rule: ₹1,000 fine for playing phone audio on a loudspeaker while on a train..

Using your mobile phone on speaker mode—without earphones—while on a train could now prove costly. Doing so may lead to a six-month prison sentence and a fine of up to ₹5,000. Indian Railways has taken this strict measure to address the inconvenience caused to other passengers. Whether it is watching social media reels, listening to music, or talking on the phone via speaker mode, such actions could now result in heavy fines or even imprisonment. Southern Railway has introduced a provision for up to six months of jail time and a fine of up to ₹5,000 for repeated instances of causing such disturbances. The Railways has implemented these stringent rules in response to incidents where passengers play music or videos loudly on their mobile phone speakers, thereby disturbing fellow travelers. The Railways has advised passengers to use earphones when listening to music or watching videos while on trains or at railway stations.

Disturbance caused by loud noise on trains
In a formal communication, the Southern Railway headquarters in Chennai noted that playing music or watching videos at high volumes via mobile speakers on trains and at railway stations causes significant inconvenience to other passengers, making it difficult for them to rest. Some passengers continue this behavior even at night. The Railways has also decided to use its existing public address (loudspeaker) systems at stations and on trains to warn passengers; these announcements will be made in Hindi, English, and relevant regional languages.

Reiteration of existing Railway Board guidelines
Southern Railway has referenced directives issued by the Railway Board on July 23, 2012. These guidelines already advised passengers to avoid talking loudly on mobile phones, using loud ringtones, or engaging in long, boisterous conversations. They also explicitly prohibited listening to music or watching films on speaker mode. Such behavior is particularly disruptive to other passengers, especially in AC coaches. Passengers are advised to keep their mobile phones on silent or vibration mode, lower the volume of their ringtones, and avoid speaking loudly on the phone. With the increasing use of the internet on mobile devices, there has been a rise in noise caused by passengers playing music or videos through their phone speakers on trains and at railway stations.

What action can be taken under Section 145 of the Railways Act?
The railway communication refers to Section 145 of the Railways Act, as amended by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act. Under this section, action can be taken against individuals who cause a nuisance, create noise, engage in indecent behavior, or intentionally obstruct the rules set by the railway administration within railway premises.

Penalties and Imprisonment
Railway staff may remove an individual who is causing a disturbance on railway premises. In such cases, the person’s pass or ticket may be confiscated, and a fine of up to ₹1,000 may be imposed.

For repeated violations: If an individual continues to cause a disturbance despite receiving a lawful instruction from a railway employee, they may face simple imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both.

Authority of Railway Staff: According to instructions from Southern Railway, an authorized commercial staff member—holding a rank not lower than that of a Ticket Examiner—is empowered to impose a fine of ₹1,000 in such instances. It should be clarified that playing music on a mobile phone does not automatically lead to imprisonment; any action taken will depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the applicable legal provisions.

Instructions for Rail Passengers
Announcements should be made via the Public Address (PA) system at railway stations and on trains in Hindi, English, and regional languages.
Passengers should be urged to refrain from playing music or videos at high volume through speakers.
Passengers should be requested to avoid speaking loudly on their mobile phones.
Passengers should be advised to use earphones.
Notices and information boards regarding this should be displayed at railway stations and on trains. In cases involving the violation of rules and the causing of inconvenience to other passengers, action should be taken in accordance with the regulations.

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