Indian Railways Directs Train Charging Shutdown from 11 pm to 5 am Over Fire Risk

The Indian Railways has issued directions to keep mobile charging facilities in trains switched off from 11 pm to 5 am, citing passenger safety. The directions have been given to zonal railways, which have been asked to make arrangements for switching off charging points during these hours.

The move is linked to the risk of short circuits and fires while mobile phones are being charged in trains. Such incidents could turn into a major accident at night, especially when most passengers are asleep, according to the explanation given in the report.

Railway officials have also been directed to carry out regular inspections. They have been asked to ensure that employees strictly follow the safety rules.

This means that passengers travelling by train may not be able to use charging points between 11 pm and 5 am. Passengers will need to be careful about charging their mobile phones during the journey, particularly at night.

However, the report only says that directions have been issued. It does not confirm that the rule has already been implemented in every train. Passengers should check with the train staff during their journey to find out whether the charging facility is available and what arrangement is in place.

The directions have been issued in view of the possibility that a short circuit or fire during the night could pose a serious risk inside a train when most passengers are sleeping. Zonal railways have been asked to arrange the shutdown of charging points, while railway officials have been told to monitor the arrangement through regular inspections and ensure strict compliance with safety rules.