Loud music on trains could cost Rs 1,000; repeat offenders face removal at next station

Kasargod, Oct 19: Playing songs or videos loudly through mobile phone speakers, shouting or creating a disturbance during train journeys could prove costly, with Southern Railway directing officials to crack down on behaviour that inconveniences fellow passengers. Offenders could face a fine of Rs 1,000, while those who persist despite warnings may be removed from the train at the next station.

The directive, issued by the Southern Railway commercial department, comes amid growing complaints about passengers using mobile internet services to watch videos and listen to music through phone speakers, disturbing others travelling in the same coach.

According to the circular, railway stations and trains must carry announcements to sensitise passengers about the restrictions. In Kerala, the announcements should be made in Malayalam and other regional languages, besides Hindi and English.

Passengers must be advised against playing songs or videos in speaker mode and shouting loudly inside coaches. They should instead use earphones while listening to audio or watching videos on their mobile phones, ensuring that fellow passengers are not inconvenienced.

Divisional railway offices have been instructed to submit reports on the awareness measures undertaken by October 20.

Repeat offenders could face jail and heavier fines

The action is being pursued under Section 145 of the Railways Act, which deals with nuisance and disruptive behaviour. The provisions cited in the report allow railway authorities to take action against passengers who disturb others, including imposing penalties and removing offenders from trains. Ticket cancellation may also be permitted under the applicable rules.

Passengers who continue to cause a nuisance despite warnings from railway staff could face imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to Rs 5,000, or both, according to the provisions cited in the report.

Authorised railway commercial staff of at least the rank of travelling ticket examiner (TTE) have been empowered to take action against offenders.

Section 145(2) of the Railways Act, 1989, also addresses nuisance caused to fellow passengers. The report states that provisions relating to penalties have been amended under the Public Trust Amendment Provisions Act, 2026.

Passengers can report disturbances directly to a TTE, call the railway's toll-free helpline on 139 or lodge a complaint through the Railways app.

2012 instructions extended to mobile phone audio and video

The latest directive builds on the Railway Board's earlier efforts to prevent disturbances during train journeys. In 2012, the board issued instructions aimed at curbing loud conversations, prolonged telephone calls and disruptive mobile phone ringtones.

The current measures extend the focus to passengers playing music and videos through mobile phone speakers, addressing a common source of discomfort in crowded coaches.

Sivasri Skandaprasad's complaint brings issue into focus

The move comes days after noted singer and Bharatnatyam artiste Sivasri Skandaprasad, wife of Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, publicly expressed her frustration over the unruly behaviour of fellow passengers during a train journey.

She reportedly lamented the lack of civic sense in the country after encountering passengers who continued to create a disturbance and behave in an undisciplined manner. She also expressed disappointment with the response she received from the TTE after bringing the matter to the official's attention.

Her experience has renewed attention to the difficulties passengers face when fellow travellers disregard basic etiquette and the need for railway authorities to respond effectively to complaints.

Welcoming the proposed action, a passenger said: “This is a welcome development. There have been repeated incidents of people singing loudly and shouting during train journeys, causing inconvenience to fellow passengers. Such an order may provide some relief.”