Railways to cut power to onboard charging points during night hours

Indian Railways has renewed its push to enforce a 2014 order mandating the shutdown of charging points aboard trains during late-night and early-morning hours, from 11 pm to 5 am. The directive, reissued by the Railway Board, seeks to standardize power management practices across the national rail network.

The move is intended to reduce electricity consumption during off-peak hours when passenger demand for charging facilities is minimal. By disabling these outlets during the specified night-time window, Railways aims to optimize energy usage and reduce operational costs across its fleet.

Safety considerations also underpin the decision, as shutting down charging infrastructure overnight helps mitigate risks associated with electrical faults and device malfunctions during periods of reduced staff supervision. The measure aligns with broader efficiency initiatives undertaken by Indian Railways to modernize its operations.

The renewed order directs all train operators and station authorities to ensure strict compliance. However, the implementation of such directives across India's extensive rail network, which handles millions of passengers daily, often faces practical challenges in enforcement and coordination among various departments and service providers.