The Southern Railway has announced that passengers engaging in loud phone conversations or playing music and videos on speaker mode may face significant penalties. This initiative aims to enhance the travel experience for all passengers. Offenders could be fined up to Rs 1,000 and may also face imprisonment for a duration of up to six months under Section 145 of the Railways Act.

In a communication dated October 6, 2026, the Southern Railway Headquarters in Chennai instructed its divisions to raise awareness among passengers regarding the disturbances caused by loud conversations and audio playback. The railway authority has emphasised the importance of maintaining a peaceful environment within trains and at railway stations.

The public announcement advised passengers to avoid using speaker mode for music and videos, urging them to use earphones instead. The communication highlighted that such disruptive behaviour could lead to legal action under the relevant provisions of the Railways Act.

Educational Measures and Public Awareness Campaign

The Southern Railway has mandated that its divisions disseminate this message through public address systems in various languages, including Hindi and English. Additionally, notices will be displayed throughout railway premises to inform passengers about the negative impact of loud phone conversations and audio playback on fellow travellers.

This initiative is not entirely new, as it references a Railway Board letter from July 23, 2012, which addressed similar complaints regarding loud mobile phone use, lengthy conversations, and inappropriate ringtones in railway coaches, particularly in air-conditioned compartments. The Railway Board had previously advised railway authorities to educate passengers on the importance of considerate behaviour to ensure the comfort of all travellers.

Southern Railway has noted that the increasing availability of mobile internet has led to a rise in the use of phone speakers in public spaces. This trend has prompted the need for measures to mitigate disturbances and enhance the overall travel experience for passengers.

Implementation and Enforcement of Regulations

The instructions have been directed to the Senior Divisional Commercial Managers of various divisions, including Chennai, Palakkad, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchchirappalli, Madurai, and Salem. The communication specifies that competent commercial staff, not below the rank of Ticket Examiner, are authorised to impose fines for such disturbances, in accordance with the provisions of the Railways Act.

Section 145(2)(a), as amended by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, addresses issues related to nuisance, indecent acts, and interference with railway amenities that affect the comfort of passengers. It also allows for removal from railway premises in applicable cases and prescribes additional penalties for those who continue disruptive behaviour despite being instructed to cease.

Southern Railway has requested that the concerned divisions take appropriate measures to implement these guidelines and submit a report on their progress to headquarters by October 20, 2026. The railway authority’s message is clear: passengers should maintain a reasonable volume during phone conversations and use earphones when listening to music or watching videos to ensure a pleasant journey for everyone on board.

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