Southern Railway: Rs 1,000 Fine for Loud Phone Use
Passengers traveling via Southern Railway must now be extremely mindful of their volume. In a major move to curb public nuisance and noise pollution, the railway administration has introduced a strict penalty for disruptive behavior on trains and at stations.
Strict Penalties for Noise Pollution
Effective immediately, any passenger found speaking loudly on mobile phones or playing audio and videos without headphones will face a fine of Rs 1,000. This directive was issued to all divisions on October 16 to ensure a more peaceful and comfortable travel experience for all commuters.
The enforcement of this rule is grounded in Section 145(2) of the Railways Act, following the amendments made by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026. Authorized commercial staff, including Ticket Traveling Examiners (TTEs), have been empowered to impose these on-the-spot fines.
Escalated Consequences for Offenders
The authorities are taking a firm stance against those who disregard these instructions. If a passenger continues to create a nuisance after being warned by railway officials, they may face several escalating penalties:
- Immediate ejection from the train or railway premises.
- Seizure of their tickets and passes.
Furthermore, repeat offenders could face even harsher legal action, including up to six months of simple imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both.
What the Rule Does NOT Cover
It is important for passengers to note that the Railway Board has clarified the specific scope of this regulation. The fine is intended strictly for excessive noise and disruptive behavior. Standard, low-volume phone usage that does not disturb fellow passengers will not be subject to these penalties.
How to Report Disruptive Passengers
To help maintain decorum, Southern Railway has encouraged passengers to report anyone causing a disturbance. You can seek assistance through the following channels:
- Use the 'Rail Madad' app by providing your PNR and coach details.
- Call the official railway helpline at 139.
- Directly notify on-board TTEs, Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, or coach attendants.
To ensure widespread compliance, all railway zones have been instructed to launch awareness campaigns using notice boards and public announcements at stations. Divisions are required to submit their implementation reports by October 20.