Railway passengers who play music or videos on phone speakers, or hold loud conversations, on trains and station platforms now face penalties. Offenders risk a fine, and those who defy repeated warnings can be sent to jail. The crackdown is being enforced under Section 145 of the Railways Act, which deals with causing a nuisance or disturbance to fellow passengers.
Why the Railways Acted
Many passengers choose train travel for its comfort and the expectation of a peaceful, trouble-free journey. On some trains, however, conditions are closer to a marketplace, with loud phone sounds disturbing fellow travellers. Widespread high-speed mobile internet has led to a surge in passengers playing loud videos and audio on speaker mode. The aim of the new orders is to ensure that fellow passengers are not inconvenienced while travelling.
What Is Prohibited
Passengers on trains or at railway stations may not shout during mobile calls, play songs on the phone speaker, or watch videos or reels at high volume. Passengers are being asked to use earphones and keep phone calls quiet. Stations and train staff have been directed to run public awareness announcements in regional languages, Hindi and English. Officials will first act against offenders. Those who still do not comply will have to pay a heavy price.
Penalties
Under Section 145(2) of the Railways Act, 1989, as amended by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, passengers causing a nuisance can face a fine of Rs 1,000. They may also have their tickets cancelled and be removed from the train.
The consequences are stiffer for those who ignore instructions. Passengers who continue the nuisance after being told to stop by an authorised railway employee may face simple imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both.
Passengers who are disturbed can inform the travelling ticket examiner, call the railway helpline 139, or submit a complaint through the RailMadad platform. The rules target nuisance behaviour, not ordinary mobile phone use.