Silence in the Coach: Southern Railway Cracks Down on Loud Mobile Phone Use
Traveling by train in India is set to become a more peaceful experience as Southern Railway takes a stern stance against the rising nuisance of passengers playing audio or videos on speaker mode. A new directive issued by the zone aims to curb the habit of broadcasting content in public, warning that such actions will no longer be tolerated within railway premises or inside train coaches.
Strict Penalties for Public Nuisance
According to the new guidelines, individuals caught playing music or videos aloud will be subject to a penalty of Rs 1,000. Railway authorities have invoked Section 142 of the Railways Act, as amended under the Jan Vishwas Act, to address these grievances. The regulation empowers railway staff, including ticket examiners and officials from the commercial division, to hold offenders accountable for causing public disturbance.
The consequences go beyond a simple fine. Persistent offenders who refuse to comply can be forcibly removed from railway premises or train coaches. In more severe instances where the behavior escalates, authorities have the power to impose a penalty of up to Rs 5,000 and even seek imprisonment for up to six months. This legal framework aligns with Section 270 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which classifies any act causing “common injury, danger, obstruction or annoyance” to the public as a punishable offence.
Rising Need for Commuter Etiquette
Southern Railway officials highlighted that the rapid expansion of mobile internet access has led to a surge in digital content consumption, often at the expense of fellow passengers’ comfort. The circular issued to all its divisions acknowledges that loud audio—whether from movies, music, or lengthy phone conversations—has become a significant source of irritation for travelers who value a quiet, stress-free journey.
While the current crackdown is spearheaded by the Southern zone, officials suggested that the framework serves as a template for other railway zones and urban Metro systems across the country. The move follows a long-standing effort by the Railway Board to address behavioral issues in transit, referencing a 2012 advisory that cautioned against loud, intrusive phone etiquette.
Awareness Drives and Enforcement
To ensure compliance, Southern Railway has directed its various divisions to launch comprehensive awareness campaigns. These will be conducted in regional languages, Hindi, and English, utilizing public address systems at railway stations to inform passengers about their rights and the legal repercussions of creating a nuisance.
The objective is to foster a culture of mutual respect among commuters. By clearly defining what constitutes a disturbance, the railway hopes to reduce the number of passenger disputes. As the enforcement begins, authorities are urging the public to use headphones and maintain moderate volume levels, emphasizing that personal entertainment should not come at the cost of collective peace. For those who choose to ignore these standards, the platform and the coach will no longer be free zones for disruptive behavior.
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