Railways bans use of charging points in trains from 11 pm to 5 am after power bank explosion
Passengers travelling at night advised to charge mobile phones and laptops in advance.
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Important news for train passengers. Charging mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic devices during nighttime train travel may become a problem. Keeping passenger safety in mind, the Railway Board has issued instructions to keep charging points on trains closed from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. All zonal railways have been asked to ensure strict compliance with this order.
According to the directive, power supply to charging points in train coaches will be disconnected during the specified six-hour period. The railway has also instructed relevant staff to be informed about this arrangement and provide necessary training to ensure compliance in all coaches.
Railways tightens its grip after power bank explosion
Safety concerns related to charging electronic devices are believed to be a key reason behind the railway's move. According to reports, on October 25, 2026, a passenger's power bank exploded while charging on the Mumbai-Howrah train. The explosion sent smoke through the coach, causing inconvenience to passengers. However, no major injuries were reported in this incident.
Following this incident, the railways have decided to take precautionary measures regarding the use of charging points on trains. The purpose of shutting down power during designated periods is to reduce the potential risks associated with charging during the night.
Passengers will have to charge their mobile phones and laptops in advance
This railway directive will affect passengers traveling at night. Passengers are advised to charge their mobile phones, laptops, and other essential electronic devices before boarding the train. Since charging facilities are not available between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., passengers should use their batteries with caution.
Implementing this system across all zones and coaches can be challenging for the railways. Therefore, the emphasis is on informing staff about the instructions and ensuring that charging points are closed during the prescribed times.