{
  "id": 14646735,
  "title": "Speaker phones on trains? Rs 5,000 fine",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/speaker-phones-on-trains-rs-5-000-fine",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-15T08:01:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/rs-5000-fine-for-talking-or-watching-on-speaker-mode-railway-passengers-could-land-in-trouble-for-playing-reels-films-or-cartoons-loudly-or-making-phone-calls-on-trains/articleshow/134961351.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Railways has issued a stern warning against using mobile phones in speaker mode on trains and railway premises. To prevent disturbance to fellow passengers, passengers are urged to utilize earphones and maintain a low volume for phone conversations. Southern Railway has instructed its branches to raise awareness through announcements and notices, while ticket examiners are empowered to take action against offenders. Penalties could include a fine of Rs 1,000 and removal from the train, with more severe fines and imprisonment for repeated offenders. The advisory highlights that loud and prolonged phone conversations, intrusive ringtones played without headphones, and audio without earphones can disrupt fellow travelers, especially in enclosed spaces like AC coaches. Passengers have welcomed the stricter rules but emphasized the need for consistent enforcement and public awareness. While some passengers complain about disturbances caused by loud videos and phone calls, particularly in AC coaches, others allow children to watch cartoons without headphones, exacerbating the noise problem.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Railways warns against speaker mode on trains",
    "Southern Railway to raise awareness via announcements",
    "Fines up to Rs 5,000 for offenders"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}