Finance

Railway Board mandates nighttime shutdown of train charging sockets following fire incident

Originally reported by ET Industry as: Railways charging socket timing changed: Now mobile, laptop charging points in all train will be switched off after 11 pm

28 Oct 2026, 4:54 pm IST · Xecute.finance News Desk

The crisp read

The Railway Board instructed all railway zones to deactivate mobile and laptop charging points inside train coaches from 11 pm to 5 am. This directive follows an incident where a passenger's power bank exploded while plugged into a South Eastern Railway train. To ensure strict adherence to fire safety protocols, authorities have mandated staff training sessions and surprise inspections.

Deep dive - the full story

The Railway Board has issued a directive instructing all railway zones to deactivate mobile phone and laptop charging points across train coaches between the hours of 11 pm and 5 am. This policy change was initiated after a passenger's power bank exploded while charging aboard a South Eastern Railway train. To enforce these updated fire safety rules effectively, the board has mandated comprehensive staff training programs and unexpected surprise inspections.

Implementing standardized operational restrictions helps transport authorities mitigate potential fire hazards caused by unattended or malfunctioning electronic devices during sleeping hours. Rail networks must balance passenger convenience with rigorous safety compliance to prevent onboard accidents. Regulatory changes of this nature require clear communication to travelers and strict monitoring by onboard personnel to achieve desired safety outcomes.

Passengers traveling on overnight trains must note the 11 pm to 5 am charging blackout and plan electronic usage accordingly. Railway staff and administrative personnel must prepare for upcoming compliance checks and enforce the new schedule. Bottom line: Plan device charging schedules ahead of overnight rail journeys to accommodate the new nighttime power restrictions.

Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

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