New Delhi, Oct. 19 -- Railway zones across India are preparing to take action against passengers who play music or videos loudly on mobile phones or engage in loud conversations on trains and railway premises. The Southern, Northern and Western Railway zones are moving to improve awareness and enforce rules that allow offenders to face fines of up to Rs 1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months.

In a circular dated October 6, Southern Railway directed its divisions to educate passengers through public-address systems about the consequences of causing inconvenience to fellow travellers through loud mobile phone use.

The move follows complaints filed through Rail Madad, the Railways' grievance redressal and assistance system. Passengers have reported fellow travellers playing music and videos through phone speakers in air-conditioned coaches, disturbing others during journeys.

The Southern Railway circular noted that widespread access to mobile internet had made playing videos and other content aloud increasingly common in public spaces. It said arrangements were urgently needed to ensure passengers could travel without unnecessary disturbance.

A senior Northern Railway official welcomed the initiative, saying passengers should be encouraged to use headphones while listening to music or watching videos.

The official added that changes to railway laws now provide a legal basis for penalising or prosecuting those whose mobile phone use inconveniences others.

A senior Western Railway official said the amended provisions would allow authorities to act more firmly against such behaviour.

The Railway Board had issued similar instructions in 2012, asking zones to use public announcements and stickers inside coaches to discourage disruptive mobile phone use. However, enforcement was difficult without a specific legal provision, the official said.

Passenger representatives have welcomed the decision but questioned whether the railways have enough personnel to implement it.

Basant Kumar Shukla, a Nagpur-based passenger association representative, cited shortages of Railway Protection Force personnel and ticket examiners, saying complaints about unauthorised entry, berth encroachment, cleanliness and water shortages often remain unattended.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.