Goa, Oct. 28 -- The Railway Board has directed all railway zones to strictly enforce the rule requiring mobile phone and laptop charging points in train coaches to remain switched off between 11 pm and 5 am, citing fire safety concerns.

In a letter dated October 26, the board said an incident occurred in the South Eastern Railway zone when onboard staff failed to switch off charging points during the stipulated hours. A passenger's power bank reportedly exploded and produced smoke while charging. The board has instructed railway zones to train staff, conduct surprise inspections and ensure there are no exceptions to the rule.

The directive reiterates an order issued in June 2014 following a fire in an AC three-tier coach of the Hazur Sa...