Playing music loudly on trains could get passengers thrown off; rules amended

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Railways has amended its rules to penalise passengers who play music loudly on their phones or watch videos at high volume, disturbing fellow travellers. Such passengers may have their tickets cancelled, be removed from the train and fined Rs 1,000. The amendment follows widespread complaints from commuters.

The rules also provide for imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to Rs 5,000 for passengers who ignore instructions from the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE). Listening to music through earphones is permitted.

Section 145(2) of the Railways Act, 1989, allowed action against passengers causing a nuisance to fellow travellers but did not specify penalties for such violations. The provision has now been amended under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026. Passengers can report complaints by calling the helpline 139, informing the TTE directly or using the Railways app.