Indian Railways cracks down on speakerphones in trains with fines and jail risk

Indian Railways has issued strict directives targeting passengers who play audio on speaker mode or engage in loud conversations inside train coaches and station premises. Under enforcement guidelines issued by Southern Railway and circulated across divisions, commuters creating a public nuisance face immediate removal from railway property, an initial fine of ₹1,000, and up to six months of imprisonment for persistent non-compliance.

The initiative forms part of a broader drive by the railway administration to elevate passenger comfort and maintain decorum across India's expanding rail network. With mobile internet access growing rapidly across the country, railway authorities are taking proactive measures to ensure that journeys remain peaceful and comfortable for all travellers.

Penalties under the amended Railways Act

The enforcement action relies on Section 145(2)(a) of the Railways Act, as amended under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, which explicitly classifies acts that disturb fellow passengers or interfere with travel amenities as punishable offences. Railway ticket examiners and senior commercial staff have been authorised to impose penalties directly on offenders.

Station announcements and passenger awareness

Divisions have been instructed to run regular public awareness campaigns across station public address systems in English, Hindi, and regional languages. The announcements remind passengers to use earphones or keep mobile device volumes muted while on trains or platforms.

The directives build on long-standing Railway Board guidelines on passenger conduct, reinforcing standards of public order across long-distance trains as well as urban transit networks, including Metro services. By equipping onboard personnel with clear administrative authority, Indian Railways aims to resolve onboard disruptions swiftly and ensure high-quality travel standards for millions of daily commuters.