In Brief
- Railways to switch off mobile charging points on trains at night.
- Measure aims to prevent accidents like recent power bank explosion.
- Staff failed to follow rules in South Eastern Railway zone incident.
- Strict enforcement expected across zones to enhance passenger safety.
The Indian Railways has decided to strictly enforce the ban on overnight mobile charging on trains by turning off charging points during prescribed night hours. This renewed enforcement follows a recent incident in the South Eastern Railway zone where a power bank exploded while a mobile device was being charged.
According to official statements, railway staff at the location had failed to switch off the charging points during the stipulated hours, which is mandated to prevent such occurrences. The Railway Board has now emphasized a strict adherence to these safety protocols nationwide to eliminate risks associated with continuous overnight charging.
Power banks and other mobile charging devices, when left plugged in for extended hours without supervision, pose fire and explosion hazards.
The recent accident underlined the importance of enforcing the guidelines consistently across all zones to ensure passenger safety and prevent similar incidents in the future. Railway authorities have instructed staff to remain vigilant and ensure charging points are deactivated during the night. They have also urged passengers to be cautious and avoid charging devices unattended. This move is part of a broader safety enhancement effort by Indian Railways to mitigate hazards on board trains.
