New Delhi: Southern Railway has instructed all of its administrative divisions to educate passengers against engaging in loud phone conversations and playing music or videos on speaker mode inside trains and railway premises. Individuals who violate these guidelines and create a nuisance for fellow travelers may face a fine of up to Rs 1,000 and imprisonment for a term of up to six months under Section 145 of the Railways Act.
In a communication issued by Southern Railway's Headquarters Office in Chennai, divisions were directed to raise awareness about the discomfort caused by such behavior. The zone suggested that public announcements be broadcast through station and train address systems in regional languages, Hindi, and English, alongside displaying informative notices to guide passengers.
The initiative addresses long-standing passenger grievances regarding noisy phone calls, lengthy discussions, and the playback of audio and video content over external speakers, particularly within air-conditioned compartments. Officials noted that the widespread availability of mobile internet has made watching videos through phone speakers increasingly common in public spaces, prompting the need for stricter enforcement.
The directive applies to the Chennai, Palakkad, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchchirappalli, Madurai, and Salem divisions. Competent commercial staff, holding a rank no lower than a Ticket Examiner, are authorized to levy the Rs 1,000 penalty for such disturbances under the applicable provisions of the Railways Act, which covers public nuisance and interference with comfortable travel.
Authorities have advised passengers to keep mobile phones on silent or vibration mode, maintain a reasonable volume during necessary voice calls, and use earphones or headphones when listening to audio or viewing video media to ensure a peaceful journey for everyone on board.