Indian Railways Warning 2026: Playing Loud Music or Reels on Trains Could Lead to Fines and Legal Action

Indian Railways New Rules 2026: Passengers travelling by train should be careful when watching videos, listening to music or making phone calls during their journey. Playing Instagram reels, movies or songs at high volume without earphones can disturb fellow passengers and may lead to complaints or action under applicable railway rules.

According to a report published on October 17, 2026, Southern Railway has stepped up efforts to spread awareness about noise-related disturbances inside trains. The initiative focuses on passengers who play audio loudly on mobile phones, use speakerphone during conversations or create unnecessary noise in shared compartments.

Railway authorities are encouraging travellers to respect the comfort of others, particularly during overnight journeys when passengers need rest.

Reports have also highlighted the possibility of fines and, in serious cases covered by applicable railway laws, imprisonment. However, not every instance of playing loud audio automatically results in a jail sentence.

Railway Noise Rules 2026: What Passengers Should Know

Smartphones have become an essential part of train travel. Many passengers spend their journeys watching videos, browsing social media, listening to music or speaking with family members.

However, the situation can become uncomfortable when audio is played loudly in a crowded coach.

A passenger watching videos without earphones may disturb people who are sleeping, reading, working or travelling with children.

Disagreements can also arise when someone requests that the volume be reduced.

Southern Railway's reported awareness initiative aims to encourage considerate behaviour and reduce avoidable disputes.

Which Activities Can Cause Problems During Train Travel?

Passengers should avoid behaviour that creates unnecessary disturbances for others.

Some common examples include:

• Playing music or watching reels at high volume without headphones.

• Watching movies or online videos with loud audio in shared compartments.

• Holding lengthy conversations on speakerphone.

• Shouting or creating excessive noise, particularly during sleeping hours.

• Continuing disruptive behaviour after reasonable requests to lower the volume.

Using a mobile phone or watching videos is not prohibited simply because a passenger is travelling by train.

The concern is the disturbance caused to fellow passengers and whether the conduct violates applicable railway rules.

Indian Railways Fine for Loud Music: How Much Can Passengers Be Charged?

Southern Railway's circular dated October 6, 2026, refers to Section 145 of the Railways Act, which addresses nuisance and conduct that interferes with the comfort of passengers.

The circular outlines different consequences depending on the circumstances.

The important distinction is that six months of imprisonment is not an automatic punishment for watching a reel without headphones. The more serious penalty concerns continued nuisance after a lawful direction to stop.

Southern Railway Issues Instructions to Railway Divisions

Southern Railway has instructed its divisions to increase passenger awareness through public announcements and notices at stations and inside trains.

These announcements are intended to explain why loud mobile audio can affect fellow passengers and encourage travellers to use earphones.

The circular also states that authorized commercial staff of at least Ticket Examiner rank may impose the specified ₹1,000 penalty.

Railway divisions have been asked to submit implementation reports by October 20, 2026.

The initiative builds on earlier Railway Board guidance from 2012 concerning loud telephone conversations, disruptive ringtones and mobile phone use inside coaches.

Can Passengers Watch Movies or Listen to Music on Trains?

Yes. Passengers can continue using their smartphones for entertainment during railway journeys.

The advisory does not prohibit watching movies, listening to music or browsing social media altogether.

Instead, travellers are expected to avoid disturbing others.

Using earphones at a comfortable volume is a simple way to enjoy entertainment while respecting fellow passengers.

Similarly, passengers making telephone calls should avoid shouting or using speaker mode at a volume that affects nearby travellers.

What Should You Do if Someone Plays Loud Music in Your Coach?

If another passenger is creating a disturbance, it is generally better to address the issue calmly rather than start an argument.

You can politely request that the person reduce the volume or use earphones.

If the disturbance continues, inform the Travelling Ticket Examiner or another authorized railway employee.

Passengers can also use official railway grievance channels, including RailMadad, to report problems during their journey.

When submitting a complaint, providing the train number, coach details and a clear description of the issue can help railway staff identify the situation.

Railway Mobile Phone Rules 2026: Important Advice for Travellers

The latest Southern Railway initiative highlights the importance of responsible smartphone use in shared public spaces.

Travellers can avoid unnecessary disputes by keeping mobile phones on silent or vibration mode, using earphones for entertainment and maintaining a reasonable speaking volume during calls.

Extra consideration is particularly important during overnight journeys, when fellow passengers may be resting.

The rules are intended to protect passenger comfort rather than prevent the ordinary use of mobile phones.

Conclusion

Southern Railway's October 2026 instructions reinforce the consequences of creating unnecessary noise on trains and railway premises.

Passengers who disturb others through loud music, videos, reels or speakerphone conversations may face a ₹1,000 fine under the cited nuisance provisions. Continuing the disturbance after an authorized warning can attract more serious legal consequences, including a fine of up to ₹5,000 or imprisonment for up to six months.

The message for railway passengers is straightforward: enjoy your journey, but keep entertainment audio private and respect the comfort of others.