Playing music or videos on speaker mode, or making loud phone calls at railway stations and inside trains, could attract a fine of up to ₹ 1000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both, as per the rules, according to a Southern Railway directive.
Such conduct may attract action under Section 145 of the Railways Act, with a penalty of up to ₹ 1000 and/or imprisonment for a term of up to 6 months. The Southern Railway communication quoted Section 145(2) of the Railways Act, as amended through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, to address nuisance caused by passengers playing music or videos on speaker mode, under which passengers who commit nuisance, engage in indecent acts or use abusive or obscene language can be removed from the railway and fined ₹ 1000, besides giving up their pass or ticket. The letter, a copy of which was also sent to the Director of Passenger Marketing of the Board, also said competent commercial staff not below the rank of ticket examiner could impose the ₹ 1000 penalty.
The letter asked that the announcement for passengers must state, “Please avoid playing music or videos on speaker mode and refrain from loud conversations while travelling and in Railway premises. Please use earphones”.
The Southern Railways said it had observed that passengers playing music and audio on speakerphone at railway stations and inside trains were causing a nuisance and adversely affecting the comfort of others. The Board had said passengers should be educated about the adverse impact of such usage on fellow travellers, and that their cooperation was sought to prevent disturbance. “The cooperation of passengers should be solicited to keep their mobiles on silent/vibration mode or the ringtone at low volume and also to avoid talking loudly and make their conversation short as far as possible,” it said.
