Southern Railway on May 20, 2026, issued a directive that will levy a Rs 1,000 fine for any passenger who plays loud music through a mobile speaker on its trains, and for repeat offenders a maximum of six months imprisonment and a Rs 5,000 fine, citing Section 145 of the Railways Act.
The move follows a 2012 Railway Board instruction that warned against loud phone calls and ringtones, but the rise of mobile streaming has made the issue harder to control. The railway said that loud music and videos are especially disruptive in air‑conditioned coaches, where passengers expect quiet for long journeys.
To enforce the new rule, Southern Railway will broadcast announcements in Hindi, English and regional languages on station PA systems and on trains, post notices, and urge passengers to use earphones. Employees with the authority of a ticket examiner can impose the Rs 1,000 fine on the spot.
The railway has ordered all divisions to submit reports on steps taken to implement the instructions by Oct 20, 2026, and will monitor compliance through on‑site inspections. Passengers have already complained that loud music has forced them to leave their seats or leave the train early, and the new penalties aim to restore a quiet environment for the 140‑million daily users of India's rail network.