Southern Railway Mobile Nuisance: Strict Fines Imposed

Southern Railway has announced the implementation of mobile nuisance fines to maintain decorum and comfort for all passengers during their journeys. The move aims to curb the growing issue of loud audio and disruptive behavior on trains, ensuring a more peaceful travel environment.

New Rules for Mobile Usage

Following a circular issued on October 16, 2026, the railway administration has laid down clear guidelines regarding the use of mobile devices. To prevent disturbances, the following actions are now strictly prohibited:

Playing music, watching videos, or scrolling through reels on speaker mode.
Engaging in loud conversations that disturb fellow travelers.

Passengers are strongly encouraged to use earphones to avoid causing any inconvenience to others.

Legal Framework and Penalties

These regulations are enforced under Section 145(2) of the Railways Act, 1989, as amended by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026. The authorities have established a strict penalty structure for those who violate these rules:

First-Time Offenses

Passengers found causing a nuisance can be slapped with a fine of up to ₹1,000. Additionally, railway authorities reserve the right to remove offenders from the train or railway premises, which may result in the forfeiture of their tickets or passes.

Persistent Nuisance

If a passenger continues to cause a disturbance even after receiving a warning from an authorized railway official, the penalties escalate significantly. Offenders may face:

Simple imprisonment for a term of up to six months.
A fine of up to ₹5,000.
Both imprisonment and a fine.

Public Awareness and Reporting

To ensure passengers are well-informed, Southern Railway’s commercial branch has directed all divisions to conduct awareness campaigns. These will include announcements in English, Hindi, and various regional languages, as well as displayed notices throughout the stations and trains.

If you are traveling and experience any disturbance caused by mobile usage, you are encouraged to report it immediately through the following channels:

Approach the Ticket Examiner (TTE) on board.
Contact the official railway helpline at 139.
Utilize the Indian Railways mobile application for quick assistance.