Indian Railways has directed all zonal railways to strictly enforce the rule of switching off mobile phone and laptop charging points in train coaches between 11 pm and 5 am. The decision follows a recent power bank explosion on the Mumbai–Howrah Mail in the South Eastern Railway zone, which reportedly filled an air-conditioned coach with smoke and triggered the fire alarm.

According to reports, railway staff had failed to switch off the charging points during the prescribed hours, allowing a passenger's power bank to explode while it was being charged. The incident has renewed concerns about the risks associated with leaving electronic devices connected to power sources while passengers sleep.

The rule is not new. The Railway Board first issued instructions to switch off charging points in train coaches in June 2014, following a fire in an AC 3-tier coach of the Hazur Sahib Nanded–KSR Bengaluru Express in 2013. The incident occurred within the Bengaluru division of South Western Railway.

Following that fire, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), Southern Circle, recommended restricting the use of charging points in air-conditioned coaches between 10 pm and 6 am. The Railway Board subsequently introduced the overnight restriction, but enforcement has reportedly weakened over the years. The latest directive calls on all zones to implement the existing rule strictly.

The renewed focus is on preventing fire hazards caused by unattended electronic devices. Phones, laptops and power banks left charging overnight can pose risks if their batteries, chargers or cables are faulty. Overheating can lead to fires and smoke, creating additional dangers in enclosed train coaches, particularly when passengers are asleep.

Railway authorities have also highlighted the risk of theft, as passengers may leave their phones connected to charging points while sleeping. Switching off the sockets overnight is intended to reduce these risks and encourage passengers to charge their devices before the restriction begins or after it ends.

The move has received mixed reactions from passengers. While many understand the safety concerns, others have raised questions about the inconvenience during long-distance journeys. Mobile phones are often needed to access digital tickets, contact family members, set alarms and communicate during emergencies. Passengers have also questioned how the restriction will affect them if a train is delayed or a journey extends beyond the expected schedule.

Some travellers have suggested alternative measures, including stricter standards for chargers and power banks or targeted restrictions on potentially unsafe devices. However, the Railway Board's current approach focuses on enforcing the existing overnight charging restriction across train services.

For passengers travelling overnight, the practical advice is to charge mobile phones and other essential devices before boarding or before 11 pm. Travellers should avoid leaving devices unattended while charging and immediately alert railway staff if a phone, charger or power bank becomes unusually hot, produces a burning smell or emits smoke.

By reinforcing the existing rule, Indian Railways aims to reduce preventable fire risks and improve safety during overnight journeys. Passengers, meanwhile, will need to plan their device usage around the six-hour period when onboard charging points are switched off.

Black Rock Hotels & Resorts has promoted Vivek Bhardwaj to Vice President – Business Development & Pre-Opening, recognising his leadership and contributions as General Manager of Pushkara Resort & Spa in Ajmer. Announced in Jaipur on 29 October 2026, the promotion comes as the group prepares for its next phase of growth.

In his new corporate role, Vivek Bhardwaj will support the company's business development initiatives and pre-opening activities as it expands its hospitality portfolio across Rajasthan and other markets. His experience in managing a resort property is expected to support the group's plans for developing and launching new hotels.

During his tenure as General Manager at Pushkara Resort & Spa, Bhardwaj gained hands-on experience in resort management, guest service and daily hotel operations. He will now use this operational understanding to support new hotel development opportunities, coordinate pre-opening preparations and work with operational teams to help bring upcoming properties into the group's portfolio.

Commenting on the promotion, Anshul Bhargava, Chairman of Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, said, “Vivek Bhardwaj has made valuable contributions to Pushkara Resort & Spa and demonstrated strong leadership in managing resort operations. As we prepare for new hotel openings, his operational experience and understanding of our business will be important in bringing new properties into the portfolio. This promotion reflects our confidence in his ability to take on a larger role in the company's growth.”

The appointment comes as Black Rock Hotels & Resorts prepares to expand its presence through several upcoming hospitality projects. These include the group's 241-room Kingsbury hotel in Udaipur, along with signed properties in Jim Corbett and Vrindavan.

With Bhardwaj moving into a corporate leadership position, the group aims to strengthen its business development efforts and prepare for upcoming openings while drawing on his experience in hotel operations and guest service.

Hyatt Regency Chennai has appointed Chef Sradhanjali as Sous Chef at Focaccia, its signature Italian restaurant. Bringing experience in Italian fine dining, she joins the culinary team with a focus on authentic flavours, quality ingredients and memorable dining experiences.

Chef Sradhanjali's interest in cooking began at home, where her curiosity and love for experimenting with flavours shaped her culinary journey. Over time, Italian cuisine became her forte, drawing her towards its emphasis on simplicity, fresh ingredients and precision in preparation.

Her professional journey includes experience at leading hospitality establishments such as Jumeirah in Bahrain, Park Hyatt Hyderabad and The Oberoi Udaipur. Working in these kitchens helped her develop her skills and understanding of professional culinary operations.

At Focaccia, Chef Sradhanjali aims to bring her knowledge of Italian cuisine to the restaurant's dining experience, celebrating authentic flavours and creating dishes that bring people together. Her approach is guided by discipline, attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining the quality and consistency expected from Italian fine dining.

She also looks forward to showcasing the ingredients, techniques and traditions that define Italian cooking, with each dish reflecting the importance of careful preparation and thoughtful presentation. Her appointment further strengthens the culinary team at Hyatt Regency Chennai as the hotel continues to focus on distinctive dining experiences built around quality, craftsmanship and hospitality.