Southern Railway Warns Passengers Against Playing Music on Speakers, Violators Face Fine
According to an official communication dated October 6, 2026, issued by the Commercial Branch of Southern Railway headquarters in Chennai, passengers found disturbing fellow travellers through loud audio, music or conversations may face action under Section 145 of the Railways Act.
The instructions are aimed at improving the comfort of passengers, particularly in enclosed spaces such as air-conditioned coaches, where loud music and videos can disturb other people travelling nearby.
Fine of up to ₹1,000 for Creating a Nuisance
Southern Railway has instructed its divisions to educate passengers about the consequences of playing music or videos on speaker mode in railway premises and trains. Passengers have been advised to use earphones when listening to music or watching videos during their journey.
The announcement prescribed by the railway administration states that playing music or videos on speakers and engaging in loud conversations may attract action under Section 145 of the Railways Act. The communication specifies a penalty of up to ₹1,000 and possible imprisonment for up to six months.
The letter also states that competent commercial staff, not below the rank of Ticket Examiner, may impose a fine of ₹1,000 for such nuisance, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Railways Act.
What Does Section 145 of the Railways Act Say?
The Southern Railway communication refers to Section 145(2)(a) of the Railways Act, as amended through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026.
The provision cited in the letter covers acts of nuisance or indecency, the use of abusive or obscene language, and interference with railway amenities that affects the comfortable travel of passengers.
According to the text reproduced in the communication, a person creating a nuisance may be removed from the railway. The provision also mentions a fine of up to ₹1,000.
If the person continues the nuisance despite being directed by an authorised railway employee not to repeat or continue such conduct, the communication cites the possibility of simple imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both.
The railway’s instructions emphasise that passengers should respect the comfort and convenience of fellow travellers and avoid activities that disturb others in shared spaces.
Railway Stations and Trains to Display Awareness Messages
Southern Railway has asked its divisions to disseminate the advisory through public address systems and notices. The announcements are to be made in regional languages, Hindi and English so that passengers from different linguistic backgrounds can understand the instructions.
The divisions concerned include Chennai, Palakkad, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai and Salem.
The communication directs the divisions to take necessary action and submit an implementation report to the headquarters by October 20, 2026. The instructions have received the approval of the Principal Chief Commercial Manager (PCCM).
Passengers Advised to Use Earphones
With mobile internet access becoming widespread, watching videos, browsing social media and playing reels on smartphones have become common activities during train journeys. However, playing such content aloud can cause inconvenience to fellow passengers, especially during long-distance journeys and overnight travel.
The railway administration has therefore called for greater awareness and responsible mobile phone use in trains and at railway stations.
Passengers are advised to use earphones while listening to music, watching videos or browsing social media content. Keeping phone volumes low, avoiding loud conversations and respecting the privacy and comfort of fellow travellers can help create a more pleasant travel environment.
The instructions underline that railway stations and trains are shared public spaces where passengers are expected to behave responsibly. While mobile phones provide entertainment during long journeys, their use should not come at the expense of other passengers’ comfort.
Important clarification: The document provided is a Southern Railway instruction dated October 6, 2026. It directs awareness measures across the specified divisions; it should not be interpreted as a separate nationwide ban announced by all railway zones. The exact legal penalties should be understood in the context of the applicable provisions of the Railways Act.
