{
  "id": 16992180,
  "title": "Charging points in trains to remain off 11 pm-5 am",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/charging-points-in-trains-to-remain-off-11-pm-5-am",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-29T02:12:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/charging-points-in-trains-to-remain-off-11-pm-5-am-101793212943446.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Railway Board has instructed train operators to keep power sockets switched off in trains between 11pm and 5am following a passenger power bank explosion in October, disrupting the Mumbai-Howrah Mail. The incident, which occurred at 3.38am near Bandamunda station, sparked a 15-minute halt while the 12809 train was brought to a halt. A letter dated October 26 directed all zonal railways to strictly adhere to existing guidelines on switching off mobile charging points during night hours. The South Eastern Railway had already issued similar instructions to all its divisions in March of this year. The Board emphasized that no exceptions should be made to this rule and called for staff to be trained and held accountable for ensuring compliance. The incident served as a reminder of the dangers posed by unattended charging points, which had previously led to fires in AC coaches.",
  "summary": "The Railway Board has reiterated its instructions to switch off electricity supply to power sockets in train between 11pm and 5am after a passenger’s power bank exploded while charging aboard the Mumbai-Howrah Mail in Odisha on October 24, disrupting train operations.",
  "key_points": [
    "Train operators instructed to switch off power sockets 11pm-5am",
    "Power bank explosion in October caused 15-minute halt",
    "Board emphasizes no exceptions, requires staff training"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing passenger safety over overnight convenience marks a shift toward stricter operational oversight following a dangerous power bank explosion that disrupted rail services and threatened coach stability.",
  "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."
}