Southern Railway Introduces Penalties for Loud Phone Use
Passengers playing music or videos on speaker mode may face fines or jail time.
Southern Railway imposes a fine of Rs 1,000 for using phones on speaker mode.
Repeat offenders could face up to six months in jail and a penalty of Rs 5,000.
The new regulations aim to enhance passenger comfort and reduce public nuisance.
In a significant move to enhance passenger comfort, Southern Railway has announced strict penalties for individuals using their mobile phones in speaker mode on trains and at railway stations. Effective immediately, passengers caught playing music or videos loudly could face fines of Rs 1,000 and may be removed from railway premises, including coaches. The initiative aims to curb the growing nuisance that disrupts the travel experience for others.
This decision is rooted in the enforcement of Section 142 of the Railways Act, as amended under the Jan Vishwas Act, which addresses public nuisances. Officials have indicated that this provision can be applied by other railway zones and metro systems, highlighting a broader commitment to maintaining a peaceful environment for all passengers. The Southern Railway's directive follows a circular issued to its divisions, emphasizing the need to address the issue of loud mobile phone use that has become increasingly common in public transport settings.
The Southern Railway's communication also referenced a previous Railway Board directive from July 2012, which warned against loud talking and objectionable ringtones within coaches. With the rise of mobile internet access, the prevalence of playing videos and audio content in public spaces has surged, prompting the railway authorities to take action. The officials have stated that the current scenario necessitates immediate measures to ensure that passengers can travel without inconvenience.
To educate the public about these new regulations, Southern Railway plans to conduct awareness campaigns through public address systems in multiple languages, including Hindi and English. Ticket examiners and senior officials from the commercial division will be empowered to impose the Rs 1,000 fine on offenders, reinforcing the seriousness of this initiative.
Looking ahead, Southern Railway aims to monitor compliance with these regulations closely and may expand the campaign to other regions. The railway authorities are committed to ensuring a pleasant travel experience and reducing disturbances caused by public nuisance, thereby fostering a more respectful atmosphere on trains and at stations.
