Indian Railways bans reels and videos on duty; strict action if employees are caught

Indian Railways has completely banned employees from blogging, making reels, shooting videos, or creating any social-media content while on duty. The rule has been put in place immediately because of security and confidentiality concerns.

In recent months, many videos of railway stations, staff on duty, and train-operation areas have gone viral. According to Railways, this is a serious offence, as it can risk security and leak sensitive information. So, strict nationwide instructions have been issued to stop such activities.

The order warns that any employee caught breaking the rule will face strict action from the department.

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Content creation in sensitive areas strictly prohibited

The directive notes that several employees had been shooting videos related to train operations, safety procedures, and sensitive locations, and uploading them online. This was harming the professional image of Indian Railways and exposing critical security protocols. The Railways has called it a serious breach of service conduct and has emphasised that such activities will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The ban covers almost all railway premises — stations, workshops, yards, offices, control rooms, trains, and other restricted zones.

Strict mobile phone usage rules

Indian Railways has made its mobile phone rules stricter. Staff can use their personal phones only during breaks and only for important communication. Making videos, taking photos, editing content, or uploading anything during duty hours is now completely banned.

Employees also cannot use official phones, computers, or internet for any personal social-media activity. Using government resources for personal content will be treated as a serious offence.

The authority's decision was influenced by numerous incidents in the Raipur division where staff was viewed taking videos during their duty hours. The same regulations have now been applied in the South Eastern Railway zone, and more divisions are going to follow these shortly. Supervisors and department heads have been asked to convey the rules to the workers, keep a close watch, and report any infractions at once. Unannounced visits have already begun.

Officials from the railway sector warned that those who would not comply with these rules would be subjected to tough measures such as suspension, charge sheet, salary cuts, imposed negative comments in service records, or even more severe punishment.

They further stated that the decision is not against vlogging, but is a necessity for protecting security, maintaining confidentiality, and facilitating railway operations.

FAQs

Q1. Why has Indian Railways banned vlogging and reels and why is that?

The main purposes are security risk prevention, confidentiality maintenance, and professional Railway functioning protection.

Q2. Is it authorised for employees to use mobile phones?

Yes, but only during breaks and only for essential personal communication.

Q3. Is shooting videos prohibited at railway properties?

Yes, the videography ban applies to all places, namely, stations, yards, control rooms, trains, workshops, and other operational areas.

Q4. What can be the consequences of breaking the rule?

Those can include suspension, issuance of charge sheets, pay cuts, and other very strict measures of discipline.

Q5. Are these rules applicable throughout the country?

Absolutely. Several zones have already implemented them, and others are in the process of making the same rules.