Indian Railways has introduced nighttime restrictions on charging facilities in train coaches to reduce fire hazards caused by overheating, short circuits and unattended electronic devices.
Highlights
- Train charging points to remain switched off between 11 PM and 5 AM.
- Restrictions cover mobile phones, laptops and other electronic devices.
- Railways aims to prevent fire incidents caused by unattended charging.
- Low-quality chargers and overheating batteries pose safety risks.
- Railway staff are responsible for monitoring compliance.
- Charging facilities are expected to resume after 5 AM.
Indian Railways Night Charging Rule: Mobile and Laptop Charging Restricted Between 11 PM and 5 AM
New Delhi, October 28, 2026: Indian Railways has reportedly tightened safety measures by restricting the use of mobile phone and laptop charging points in passenger train coaches during nighttime hours. Under the reported rule, charging sockets remain switched off between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM to reduce the risk of fire incidents.
The restriction is aimed at preventing electrical hazards caused by unattended devices, overheating batteries, defective chargers and short circuits. Passengers travelling overnight may therefore need to charge their electronic devices before 11 PM.
Why Has Railways Restricted Night Charging?
Passenger safety is the primary reason behind the reported restriction. Many travellers leave mobile phones, laptops and power banks connected to charging sockets while sleeping.
Such practices can create safety risks, particularly when damaged charging cables, low-quality adapters or faulty batteries are involved.
Reports of power banks overheating or emitting smoke inside trains have also raised concerns about electrical safety in passenger coaches.
The restriction is intended to reduce these risks during hours when passengers are less likely to notice an overheating device.
What Are the New Charging Timings?
According to reports, passengers can use charging sockets during the daytime and evening hours, while electricity supply to these points is restricted overnight.
The reported restriction begins at 11 PM and continues until 5 AM the following morning.
Charging facilities are expected to become available again after 5 AM, allowing passengers to recharge their devices.
Railway Staff to Monitor Compliance
Reports suggest that onboard railway staff have been instructed to monitor the implementation of nighttime charging restrictions.
Railway officials may also conduct inspections to ensure that electrical safety procedures are followed across passenger coaches.
The measure is particularly relevant for long-distance and overnight train services, where passengers frequently leave devices charging while sleeping.
What Should Passengers Do?
Passengers travelling overnight are advised to charge their phones and laptops before 11 PM and avoid leaving electronic devices connected to sockets unattended.
Using certified chargers, checking charging cables for damage and avoiding overheating batteries can further reduce electrical risks.
The reported measure highlights Indian Railways’ focus on improving passenger safety and reducing preventable fire incidents during train journeys.
Verification note: The 11 PM–5 AM restriction has been reported by The Lallantop on October 28, 2026. The Lallantop However, a fresh official Railway Board circular confirming nationwide enforcement has not been independently verified here.
