Passengers who watch Instagram Reels, play music or make loud phone calls on trains could face penalties if they disturb fellow travellers.
Indian Railways is tightening enforcement against noisy mobile phone use, with reported penalties ranging from a Rs 1,000 fine for a first offence to a possible Rs 5,000 fine or imprisonment for up to six months for continued violations.
The measures have been highlighted in a Southern Railway directive referring to Section 145(2) of the Railways Act, as amended through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026.
The aim is to reduce disturbances and make train journeys more comfortable for passengers.
The restrictions concern behaviour that creates a nuisance, including playing videos or music through loudspeakers and making phone calls at a volume that disturbs others.
Passengers are being advised to use earphones and keep conversations quiet, particularly in air-conditioned coaches.
Indian Railways Fine for Loud Reels and Music
According to reports about Southern Railway’s directive, passengers who play loud audio or continue disturbing others may face action under the relevant railway provisions.
The reported first-offence penalty includes a fine of Rs 1,000 and possible removal from the train.
If a passenger continues the behaviour despite a warning, the reported consequences could include a fine of up to Rs 5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both, depending on the applicable legal provisions and circumstances.
The action is intended to address complaints about passengers playing videos, reels and music at high volume, as well as those engaging in loud or prolonged phone conversations.
Such behaviour can disturb people trying to rest, work or travel with children.
The reported enforcement measures also authorise ticket examiners to take action against offenders.
Railway authorities are expected to spread awareness through announcements and notices so that passengers understand the rules before problems arise.
Why Has Southern Railway Tightened Enforcement?
Complaints about loud mobile phone use have prompted renewed attention to passenger behaviour on trains.
People playing music or watching videos without headphones can disturb other passengers, especially during night journeys or in air-conditioned coaches where travellers expect a quieter environment.
The Railway Board had issued guidelines on maintaining a peaceful atmosphere during train journeys in 2012.
However, complaints about loud conversations, lengthy phone calls and disruptive ringtones have continued, according to published reports.
The latest enforcement measures highlight that railway travel involves shared spaces where passengers must consider the comfort and convenience of others.
The issue is not simply whether someone is using a mobile phone, but whether their behaviour creates a disturbance.
It is important to distinguish the reported Southern Railway directive from a claim that every instance of watching a reel automatically results in a fine.
The circumstances, the nature of the disturbance and the applicable legal provisions matter when determining what action may be taken.
How Can Passengers Avoid Railway Penalties?
Passengers can reduce the risk of complaints by following a few simple precautions during their journey. Using earphones while watching videos or listening to music is one of the easiest ways to avoid disturbing fellow travellers.
Travellers should also keep their phone volume low, use silent or vibration mode when appropriate and avoid speaking loudly during calls.
Long conversations can be particularly disruptive in sleeping compartments and air-conditioned coaches.
If another passenger’s behaviour is disturbing the coach, travellers can raise the issue with railway staff or use the Rail Madad app to report the problem.
Reporting the disturbance through the appropriate channel is preferable to getting into an argument with another passenger.
Passengers should remember that the reported penalties concern disruptive conduct and that legal action depends on the applicable rules and circumstances.
Checking official railway announcements can help travellers understand the requirements relevant to their route.
The broader message for train travellers is straightforward: enjoy videos and music through earphones, keep phone conversations considerate and respect other passengers’ need for a peaceful journey.
