No Charging After 11 PM: Indian Railways Reaffirms Safety Rule
Indian Railway Board mandates turning off coach charging points from 11 PM to 5 AM to prevent fire risks from exploding power banks.
In a critical move to bolster passenger safety, the Indian Railway Board has issued a formal directive to all zonal railways regarding the use of electrical sockets in train coaches. To prevent fire hazards, the power supply to mobile and laptop charging points must be disconnected between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM.
This directive, reiterated in a recent communication, is part of a renewed safety drive aimed at mitigating the risk of fire incidents caused by overheating electronic devices and faulty power banks during the night.
The Trigger: A Dangerous Power Bank Explosion
The decision comes in the wake of a serious safety breach reported under the South Eastern Railway. A passenger's power bank reportedly exploded while it was being charged during the restricted night hours. Upon investigation, it was found that the onboard staff had failed to deactivate the power supply, leaving the sockets active during the prohibited window.
Strict Compliance for Onboard Staff
The Railway Board has emphasized that the responsibility for ensuring power is cut off lies directly with the onboard crew. The following personnel are mandated to ensure strict adherence to the 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM cutoff:
- Traveling Ticket Examiners (TTEs)
- Coach Attendants
- AC Mechanics
Railway authorities have warned that any negligence in following these protocols will lead to strict disciplinary action. To ensure these rules are being implemented effectively, officials and supervisors will be conducting surprise inspections across the network.
A Safety Protocol with a Long History
While this rule may feel new to some, it is actually a long-standing safety measure. The policy was originally established in 2014 following recommendations from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). This followed a significant fire incident in 2013 involving an AC 3-tier coach on the Hazur Sahib Nanded–KSR Bengaluru Express.
During the initial safety review, the CRS had suggested a restriction window from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. However, the Railway Board ultimately finalized the 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM timeframe to strike a balance between enhanced safety and passenger convenience. Shobhit Gupta, Special Officer for Electrical Engineering at the Railway Board, has stated that no exceptions to this rule will be tolerated.
Essential Safety Tips for Passengers
To ensure a safe and uninterrupted journey, passengers are strongly advised to follow these safety precautions:
- Charge Before 11 PM: Ensure all mobile phones, tablets, and laptops are fully charged before the nightly power cutoff.
- Use ISI-Marked Gear: Only use ISI-marked chargers and power banks to reduce the risk of overheating or electrical failure.
- Avoid Overnight Plugging: Do not leave devices plugged into coach sockets while you are sleeping.