New Delhi, Oct 19: Passengers who play music or watch videos at high volume on mobile phone speakers during train journeys could face legal consequences under railway rules. The practice, which often disturbs fellow travellers in coaches and at railway stations, has prompted Southern Railway to reinforce its warning against creating noise and causing inconvenience to others.
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According to a recent railway advisory, passengers found engaging in nuisance on railway premises may face a fine of up to Rs 1,000 and removal from the premises. In cases where the offence attracts the provision for continued nuisance, the consequences could include simple imprisonment for up to six months and a fine of up to Rs 5,000.
The warning highlights the importance of maintaining a peaceful environment in shared public spaces, particularly on long-distance trains where passengers may be trying to sleep, work or rest.
What Does the Railway Act Say?
Section 145 of the Railways Act, 1989, deals with drunkenness, nuisance and certain forms of misconduct on railway premises. The provision covers behaviour that causes inconvenience to passengers, including nuisance inside railway carriages and at stations.
The penalties cited in the railway advisory are intended to discourage conduct that interferes with the comfort of other travellers. However, the applicable punishment depends on the specific conduct, the relevant statutory provision and the circumstances of the case.
Passengers should note that playing audio through a phone speaker is not automatically equivalent to every offence covered by Section 145. The circumstances and whether the conduct amounts to a legally actionable nuisance are important.
Why Has Southern Railway Issued the Warning?
Southern Railway has reportedly drawn attention to complaints involving passengers playing music, streaming videos and using mobile phone speakers at high volume inside trains and on railway premises.
With affordable mobile data and online entertainment becoming increasingly accessible, watching videos and listening to music while travelling have become common habits. Problems arise when passengers play content loudly without considering those seated nearby.
Loud phone conversations, speakerphone calls and other disruptive behaviour can also affect the comfort of fellow passengers, especially in reserved coaches and during night journeys.
The railway administration has called for greater awareness of the restrictions, including through regular public announcements at stations and other railway locations.
Who Can Take Action Against Offenders?
As reported in the advisory, authorised railway commercial staff, including ticket examiners at or above the specified rank, may be empowered to take action in accordance with the applicable rules.
Passengers who receive instructions from authorised railway personnel should cooperate and stop any activity causing a disturbance. The precise enforcement powers and penalties depend on the relevant legal provision and the circumstances involved.
How Can Passengers Avoid a Fine?
Travellers can prevent unnecessary disputes by following a few simple practices during their journeys:
Use headphones or earphones: Listen to music and watch videos without disturbing others.
Keep conversations quiet: Avoid loud phone calls and speakerphone conversations inside coaches.
Respect night-time quiet: Allow fellow passengers to rest, particularly in sleeper and air-conditioned coaches.
Follow railway instructions: Stop disruptive activities when asked to do so by authorised staff.
Report persistent disturbances: Inform railway personnel if another passenger repeatedly creates a nuisance.
A Reminder to Respect Fellow Travellers
Rail journeys bring together passengers of different ages and needs in a shared space. While listening to music or watching videos is a routine part of travelling for many people, doing so at excessive volume can create avoidable discomfort and conflict.
The railway advisory serves as a reminder that passenger convenience must be balanced with consideration for others. Using headphones, keeping conversations at a reasonable volume and following railway instructions can help ensure a more comfortable journey for everyone.
Before assuming that every instance of loud music carries a fixed penalty, passengers should check the applicable provision and official railway instructions. The legal consequences depend on the nature of the nuisance and the circumstances of the incident.
