Rs 5,000 fine for talking or watching on speaker mode! Railway passengers could land in trouble for playing reels, films or cartoons loudly or making phone calls on trains

The Railways has warned passengers against playing music, videos or other audio on mobile phones using speaker mode on trains and railway premises. The advisory urges passengers to use earphones and keep phone conversations quiet to avoid disturbing fellow travellers. According to a TOI report, Southern Railway has directed its divisions to spread awareness through public announcements and station notices. Ticket examiners have also been authorised to take action against violators. The report states that passengers who violate the rules could face a fine of Rs 1,000 and removal from the train. Continued nuisance could attract a fine of up to Rs 5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months.

The advisory warns that loud and prolonged phone conversations, disturbing ringtones and audio played without headphones can inconvenience other passengers, particularly in enclosed spaces such as AC coaches.

Read more - Rs 3,350 crore gift to Ladakh: India's 1st petroglyph park, airport terminal for 35 lakh passengers & 298-km Himalayan road among 5 projects launched by PM Modi

Railways renews focus on mobile phone etiquette

The Railway Board had asked railway zones to curb the practice in 2012, but the measure had limited impact in several areas. The issue has now returned to focus following changes under the Jan Vishwas Act this year, as cited in the report.

Passengers have welcomed stricter action but have stressed that penalties will be effective only if the rules are enforced consistently and travellers are made aware of them.

Read more - Kalyan, Shahad, Titwala to Asangaon commuters take note: Railways seeks forest clearance for a fourth railway line

Passengers complain about loud videos and phone calls

Frequent travellers say watching films, television serials and social media reels on speaker mode can disturb an entire coach. Some passengers also allow children to watch cartoons without headphones, adding to the noise.

Passenger P Ram Kumar said loud conversations and phone audio were particularly troublesome in AC coaches, where the quieter environment makes such disturbances more noticeable. He also pointed out that passengers may find it difficult to complain every time, especially when the noise starts late at night.

Sreeja Hari, who frequently travels between Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram, recalled seeing three passengers using their phones on speaker mode in different parts of a Vande Bharat coach. She said she had reported the incident to the travelling ticket examiner (TTE).

How to report disturbances on trains

Railway officials have asked passengers to cooperate with staff and follow basic public etiquette while travelling. Those facing persistent disturbances can alert railway personnel or submit a complaint through RailMadad.

Passengers are advised to use earphones when listening to audio, keep calls brief and speak at a reasonable volume to ensure a more comfortable journey for everyone.