Travelling on an Indian Railways train at night? Make sure your phone is charged before 11 PM. The Railway Board has reminded staff to switch off mobile and laptop charging points in train coaches between 11 PM and 5 AM.

The reminder came on October 26, 2026, after a passenger’s power bank exploded and produced smoke while charging on a South Eastern Railway train. The restriction is not new. Indian Railways introduced it in 2014 following a fire in an AC three-tier coach and a safety recommendation.

Here’s what passengers should know about the Indian Railways charging rules, the charging hours and why the rule is back in the news.

What Are the Indian Railways Mobile Charging Rules for 2026?

Indian Railways has reiterated that mobile phone and laptop charging points in train coaches must remain switched off from 11 PM to 5 AM. During these six hours, passengers should not expect to charge their phones, laptops or other devices using the train’s charging sockets.

The Railway Board has directed all railway zones to ensure strict compliance, with no exceptions. It has also asked railway zones to train staff and conduct surprise inspections to ensure that charging points are switched off during the restricted hours. Here’s a quick look at the charging schedule.

If you’re travelling on a train at night, it’s better to charge your phone and laptop before 11 PM. The charging points are expected to become available after 5 AM, subject to railway staff restoring the power supply.

You can still use your phone during the night. The rule only affects the charging sockets inside the train, not the use of mobile phones.

Why Has Indian Railways Repeated the Night Charging Rule?

The Railway Board sent out the latest reminder after a passenger’s power bank exploded while charging on South Eastern Railway. According to the Railway Board’s letter, onboard staff had not switched off the charging points during the restricted hours. A passenger was charging a power bank when it suddenly exploded and produced smoke.

The incident raised safety concerns, especially about unattended devices being charged overnight. After this, the Railway Board asked all railway zones to make sure staff follow the night charging rule.

The Board also directed railway zones to train staff and conduct surprise inspections. The aim is to reduce fire risks and prevent similar incidents on trains.

When Did Indian Railways First Introduce the Charging Restriction?

The rule isn’t new. Indian Railways introduced it in June 2014, following a train fire in 2013. The fire happened in an AC three-tier coach of the Bengaluru–Hazur Sahib Nanded Express on December 28, 2013.

After the incident, the Commissioner of Railway Safety suggested switching off charging points in AC coaches between 10 PM and 6 AM. The Railway Board later chose a shorter period, from 11 PM to 5 AM, taking safety and passenger convenience into consideration.

Railway officials were also asked to put up notices in AC coaches to inform passengers about the timings. Now, in October 2026, the Railway Board has reminded staff to follow the same rule strictly.

Does the Charging Rule Apply to Sleeper Class and AC Coaches?

When Indian Railways first introduced the rule in 2014, it applied to AC coaches. Later, officials raised similar safety concerns about non-AC sleeper coaches.

In November 2023, a fire broke out in a sleeper coach of the New Delhi–Darbhanga Humsafar Clone Special in the Sarai Bhopat–Etawah section of North Central Railway’s Prayagraj Division. The fire spread through the coach and engulfed adjoining coaches.

Following the incident, the Commissioner of Railway Safety recommended switching off charging points in sleeper-class coaches during the same night-time hours. The Commissioner’s report attributed the fire to a high-resistance fault in external electrical equipment connected to a mobile charging socket.

However, the Railway Board said deploying staff to enforce the restriction in non-AC coaches was not feasible because of the high cost involved. Its action-taken report stated that charging points in AC coaches were being switched off during the prescribed hours.

The latest October 2026 reminder asks railway zones to follow the charging instructions strictly. If you’re travelling in an AC or sleeper coach, it’s best to check the charging arrangements on your train. Don’t depend on being able to charge your phone during the night.

What Should Passengers Do Before an Overnight Train Journey?

If you’re taking an overnight train, a few simple steps can help you avoid running out of battery.

Charge your phone before 11 PM: Make sure you have enough battery for calls, messages and other important needs during the night.

Save your train ticket: If your ticket is on your phone, save a copy that you can open without an internet connection.

Charge your laptop early: If you need your laptop during the journey, charge it before the sockets are switched off.

Check your charger and power bank: Don’t use damaged cables, faulty chargers or power banks that look swollen or feel unusually hot.

Keep your devices close: Avoid leaving your phone or laptop charging while you’re away or asleep.

If you notice smoke, a burning smell or a device getting unusually hot, inform railway staff immediately. These small steps can help you avoid charging problems and travel more safely.

Indian Railways has once again reminded staff to switch off mobile and laptop charging points in train coaches between 11 PM and 5 AM. The rule is meant to reduce fire risks, so passengers should charge their devices before the restricted hours.

If you’re planning a trip that also involves travelling abroad, you can check Indian Eagle deals on international flights and compare available routes and ticket prices before booking. 

The post Indian Railways Rules 2026: Charging Points Off From 11 PM to 5 AM appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.