Railways Cracks Down On Loud Music And Videos

Indian Railways has warned passengers against playing music or videos on mobile phones and other devices at high volume, particularly when the noise disturbs fellow travellers. The railway authorities have urged passengers to use earphones, keep phone conversations quiet and avoid disruptive ringtones during journeys.

The warning comes as complaints about loud music, videos played on speaker mode and prolonged phone conversations continue to affect the comfort of passengers, especially in enclosed spaces such as air-conditioned coaches.

Rs 1,000 Fine And Ticket Cancellation

Under Section 145(2) of the Railways Act, 1989, as amended by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, passengers causing a nuisance can face a fine of Rs 1,000.

The action may also include removal from the train and forfeiture of the passenger’s pass or ticket.

The provisions apply to behaviour that creates a disturbance for other passengers. Simply listening to music through earphones at a reasonable volume is not the conduct being targeted.

Repeat Offenders Could Face Six Months In Jail

The consequences can become more serious if a passenger continues causing a nuisance after being instructed to stop by an authorised railway employee.

In such cases, the punishment may extend to six months of simple imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both.

The provision gives railway authorities a way to deal with passengers who ignore warnings and continue disturbing others.

Why Is Indian Railways Taking Action?

Train compartments are shared spaces where passengers may be travelling for several hours or overnight. Loud audio, video playback and extended phone calls can disturb people who are trying to sleep, work or rest.

The Railways has therefore called for responsible mobile phone use to ensure a peaceful journey for everyone.

The warning also reinforces the principle that passengers must consider the comfort of others rather than treating a shared coach as a private entertainment space.

How Can Passengers Report Complaints?

Passengers disturbed by loud music or other nuisance behaviour can inform the travelling ticket examiner (TTE) or contact railway authorities through the official railway complaint channels.

The railway helpline 139 and the Railways’ official app can also be used to report relevant complaints.

Passengers should avoid confrontations where possible and seek assistance from railway staff, particularly if the situation escalates.

What Should Train Passengers Remember?

Passengers can continue watching videos, listening to music and making phone calls during their journeys, provided they do not cause a disturbance.

Using headphones or earphones, keeping call volumes low and switching off disruptive ringtones are simple ways to avoid complaints.

The key point is that the rules target nuisance behaviour, not ordinary mobile phone use.

Summary

Indian Railways has warned passengers that playing loud music or videos on speakers and disturbing fellow travellers can attract penalties under Section 145(2) of the Railways Act. The amended provision allows a Rs 1,000 fine, removal from the train and ticket forfeiture. Passengers who continue the nuisance after an authorised warning may face up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine of Rs 5,000, or both. Earphone use is permitted.