Southern Railway has warned passengers that using mobile phones on speaker mode on trains or railway premises can lead to a ₹1,000 fine and removal from the train, with repeat or continued nuisance potentially attracting a fine of up to ₹5,000 or six months’ imprisonment.
The railway has instructed its divisions to inform passengers about the rule through public address announcements and notices at stations. Ticket examiners have also been authorised to take action against passengers who use phones to play music, videos or other audio through speakers.
Passengers have been advised to use earphones and keep phone conversations at a low volume. The advisory specifically cited loud and prolonged conversations and disturbing ringtones as sources of inconvenience, particularly in enclosed spaces such as air-conditioned coaches.
The Railway Board had asked zones to curb speakerphone use as early as 2012, but the practice continued in many trains. The restriction has now been made a punishable offence through an amendment under the Jan Vishwas Act this year, according to the advisory reported by Times News Network.
The rule addresses a recurring passenger-comfort problem on long-distance and premium services, where travellers may spend several hours in shared, enclosed spaces. Passengers quoted in the report said people commonly use phones to watch films, serials, reels and cartoons without headphones, while groups also hold loud conversations inside coaches.
Passenger P Ram Kumar said the problem was particularly disruptive in air-conditioned coaches, which are generally quieter than sleeper-class compartments. He said fines would need to be imposed consistently and noted that passengers may find it difficult to complain whenever disturbances begin, especially late at night.
Another frequent traveller, Sreeja Hari, said she had seen three passengers using mobile phones on speaker mode at different points inside a Vande Bharat coach and had informed the travelling ticket examiner. Her account highlights the role railway staff will play in enforcing the rule during journeys rather than only at stations.
Railway officials have asked passengers to cooperate with staff and maintain basic etiquette in public spaces. Travellers facing persistent disturbance can alert railway personnel or submit complaints through Rail Madad, the railway grievance platform. The effectiveness of the revised penalty will depend on passenger awareness and consistent action by onboard staff and railway divisions.
