Listening to loud songs, watching videos, and talking loudly on the phone while traveling by train may now lead to trouble. If you behave in a way that causes inconvenience to fellow passengers, you may have to face fines and even imprisonment. To this end, Southern Railway has issued new orders to control loud noise in trains and stations. Violation of the rules can lead to a fine of up to Rs. 1,000 for the first time. If you cause trouble repeatedly despite warnings, you can be sentenced to simple imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to Rs. 5,000, or both.

This was revealed in a letter issued by the Southern Railway headquarters in Chennai. It said that playing loud songs and videos through mobile speakers in trains and stations is disturbing the peace of other passengers. It said that those who travel long distances and those who want to rest are facing difficulties.

It has ordered the railway divisions to make announcements in trains and stations to create awareness among passengers. It has suggested that announcements should be made in regional languages ​​​​in addition to Hindi and English. Passengers will be advised to use earphones while listening to songs and videos on their mobile phones and not to talk loudly on their phones.

These instructions are also based on the instructions issued by the Railway Board on July 23, 2012. At that time, the board had stated that talking loudly on mobile phones for a long time and playing loud ringtones can cause inconvenience to fellow passengers. It said that such problems are especially prevalent in AC coaches. It has been suggested that phones should be kept in silent or vibration mode.

According to Section 145 of the Railway Act, action can be taken against behavior that causes inconvenience to others on the railway premises. According to the rules, a person who causes inconvenience can be removed from the railway premises. Depending on the circumstances, the ticket or pass can be confiscated. A fine of up to Rs. 1,000 can be imposed. If the same behavior is repeated despite a legal warning, simple imprisonment up to six months, a fine up to Rs. 5,000 or both can be imposed, the Southern Railway orders state.

However, just because you listen to songs on your mobile phone, it does not mean that you will be imprisoned in every case. Action will be taken depending on the conduct causing inconvenience to others, the circumstances and the applicable legal provisions. The Railways has asked the concerned divisions to send reports of the action taken on the implementation of the rules to the head office by October 20, 2026. The aim of these measures is to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for all passengers, the senior official said.