Train passengers will no longer be allowed to keep their mobile phones charging overnight, with the Railway Board issuing strict instructions to all zonal railways to switch off charging points between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
The incident caused smoke and panic among passengers, although no major injuries were reported. In an official communication, the Board has directed railway authorities to conduct surprise inspections in coaches during overnight journeys. Both officers and supervisory staff have been asked to ensure strict compliance with the directive, with no exceptions permitted under any circumstances. The Railway Board’s renewed insistence on implementing the measure follows a recent incident in the South Eastern Railway (SER) zone. Railway staff reportedly failed to switch off charging points during the prescribed hours, leading to a power bank explosion while a mobile was being charged.
