In view of the recent spate of fire incidents in trains, Indian Railways has decided not to allow charging of electronic devices in trains between 11 pm and 5 am.
With this precautionary measure, passengers will not be allowed to charge phones, laptops and any other electronic devices between the above mentioned time.
The Western Railway is already implementing the measure from 16 March by cutting off supply to charging ports, reports The Indian Express.
Also in 2014, soon after a fire incident in the Bangalore-Hazur Sahib Nanded Express, Railway Board had instructed all zones to switch off charging points between 11 pm and 5 am based on the recommendation of Commissioner of Railway Safety.
“In view of the recent incidents of fire, we have done the needful. It is a precautionary measure and even earlier the Railway Board had issued such orders. The power from the main switchboard for these points will be switched off from 11 pm to 5 am,” an official said.
Recently, many incidents of fire resulting in loss of property and danger to life were reported in various Zonal Railways. Among them, few incidents appeared to have been caused by smoking onboard or transportation of inflammable material by the train.
To curb such incidents, Indian Railways launched a massive drive against smoking and carriage of inflammable material through Railways.