Mumbai: Loud Mobile Phone Use On Local Trains May Attract ₹5,000 Fine And 6 Months’ Jail

Mumbai commuters who engage in loud mobile phone use, such as playing videos or music, may face penalties of up to ₹5,000 and a potential six-month jail term, as local and Western Railway authorities aim to reduce noise-related disturbances in crowded compartments. Railway staff have been instructed to identify passengers playing audio without earphones and request them to stop or face penalties under Section 145 of the Railways Act.

The enforcement will initially focus on local trains, with potential expansion to long-distance services. The move comes in response to growing complaints about passengers using their phones to watch videos, listen to music, or have loud conversations during train journeys. These practices have become more prevalent with increased mobile internet access, particularly in crowded suburban trains during peak hours.

Nandkumar Deshmukh, president of the Federation of Suburban Rail Passengers Association, highlighted that the issue becomes particularly problematic in crowded trains where passengers play videos on speakers, leading to annoyance and arguments. Railway officials aim to promote awareness that public transport should be a shared space, respecting the comfort of fellow passengers.

Initially, staff will request passengers to use earphones or lower their volume instead of imposing immediate penalties. They may also issue announcements in Marathi, Hindi, and English to educate passengers about acceptable behavior. Similar measures were previously introduced by Southern Railway in 2012, and the current action follows a comparable initiative by the same railway system.

Passengers are urged to use their phones responsibly, ensuring their entertainment does not disturb others during their commute.