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Railways warns of jail term for loud phone use on trains
Indian Railways has warned of punitive action, including removal from the train, a ₹1,000 fine and possible imprisonment, against passengers who play audio or video on speaker mode or hold loud phone conversations on trains and at railway premises. The directive follows amendments under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, which updated Section 145(2) of the Railways Act, 1989.
The railways appealed to passengers to use earphones and keep conversations at a low volume, saying loud ringtones and prolonged calls cause inconvenience, especially in enclosed AC coaches. It said a railway servant authorised to issue directions can order a passenger to stop the nuisance. If the passenger ignores the direction, the punishment may extend to six months’ simple imprisonment or a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both.
The warning applies to all railway premises and trains, covering music and video played through mobile phones or other gadgets.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The warning applies to every passenger in AC coaches and other enclosed train spaces. The penalty escalates sharply if a passenger ignores a railway employee's instruction to stop: a ₹1,000 fine and removal from the train becomes a possible six-month jail term and a ₹5,000 fine. The railways have not announced a date for enforcement or a specific campaign to publicise the rule. Whether station staff and train crews will consistently enforce the section 145(2) provision remains open.
Source: thehindu.com
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