Train passengers will not be able to use onboard mobile charging points between 11 pm and 5 am, as the Railway Board steps up enforcement of the long-standing safety restriction. The move follows a recent power bank explosion on a train under South Eastern Railway, prompting authorities to direct all railway zones to ensure the rule is followed without exception.
In a letter dated October 26, the board highlighted lapses by onboard railway staff in implementing the restriction. According to the communication, charging points had not been switched off during the prescribed hours when a passenger’s power bank reportedly exploded while charging, generating smoke inside the coach.
The board has instructed all zonal railways to educate and train the staff responsible for ensuring that charging points remain switched off during the six-hour window. Officials and supervisors have also been directed to conduct surprise inspections to check compliance and prevent negligence.
The restriction dates back to June 19, 2014, when the Railways issued instructions to switch off charging points overnight following a fire aboard the Bengaluru-Hazur Sahib Nanded Express, based on a recommendation by the Commissioner of Railway Safety.
The rule was reiterated in March 2021, when Western Railway began cutting power to charging points during the restricted hours from March 16.
Speaking with PTI at the time, CPRO of Western Railway, Sumit Thakur, said, “It is a Railway Board instruction for all railways. We have started implementing it from March 16.”
With the latest directive, the Railway Board has once again stressed strict implementation of the existing instructions.
Passengers travelling overnight have been advised to charge their mobile phones and other essential electronic devices before beginning their journey.
