Indian Railways to Enforce Night-Time Mobile Charging Restrictions from 11 PM to 5 AM
New Delhi, October 28, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran): Indian Railways is preparing to strictly enforce instructions requiring mobile charging points in train coaches to remain switched off from 11 PM to 5 AM. The Railway Board has directed all zonal railways to ensure that charging points are mandatorily switched off during these hours, without any exemptions.
The move aims to improve passenger safety and reduce the risk of fire and electrical accidents inside train coaches.
Power Bank Explosion Prompts Stricter Enforcement
The Railway Board’s renewed focus follows an incident in South Eastern Railway in which a passenger’s power bank reportedly exploded while being charged. The charging points in the train coach had not been switched off at the time of the incident.
Electronic devices can pose safety risks if their batteries overheat, charging equipment malfunctions or electrical faults occur. The latest instructions are intended to ensure that existing safety measures are followed consistently.
Railway Staff to Be Held Responsible
The Railway Board has instructed railway employees concerned to ensure that charging points in train coaches are switched off at the scheduled time.
Onboard staff must receive clear instructions, along with the necessary training and guidance, to implement the arrangement properly. Officials and supervisors have also been directed to conduct surprise inspections to check whether trains are complying with the order.
The responsibility of employees will be fixed to prevent negligence and ensure that the instructions are followed.
Similar Instructions Issued in 2014 and 2021
This is not the first time Indian Railways has directed that charging points be switched off during night hours. The Railway Board issued a similar order on June 19, 2014, following a train fire incident and concerns over passenger safety.
In March 2021, the Railways again emphasised the strict implementation of instructions to discontinue charging facilities between 11 PM and 5 AM.
What Should Passengers Do?
Passengers travelling by train at night should charge their mobile phones and other essential electronic devices before starting their journey. They should not depend on onboard charging points being available after 11 PM.
Passengers should also stop using a charging device if it becomes unusually hot, emits smoke or produces a burning smell. Any such incident should be reported to train staff immediately.
Railway officials aim to reduce the risk of fires and electrical accidents in coaches during night hours. Passengers are advised to follow safety instructions and promptly report any suspicious or potentially dangerous situation.
FAQ Section
1. What are Indian Railways’ night-time mobile charging restrictions?
Mobile charging points in train coaches are required to remain switched off between 11 PM and 5 AM.
2. When will charging points be switched off?
The specified period is from 11 PM to 5 AM.
3. Why is Indian Railways enforcing the restriction?
The measure is intended to reduce the risk of fires and electrical accidents inside train coaches.
4. What incident prompted renewed enforcement?
A passenger’s power bank reportedly exploded while being charged in a South Eastern Railway train.
5. When were similar instructions first issued?
The Railway Board issued similar instructions on June 19, 2014.
6. Were the instructions reiterated later?
Yes. Indian Railways reiterated the need for strict compliance in March 2021.
7. What should passengers do before travelling at night?
They should charge their mobile phones and other essential electronic devices before starting their journey.
8. What should passengers do if a charging device overheats or emits smoke?
They should stop using the device and immediately inform the train staff.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.