In the best of times, public spaces in India are a cacophonous riot, swamped by the noise of incessant honking, rattling vehicles on bad roads, vendors on megaphones and music playing from loudspeakers. Loud construction equipment operates late into the night in many cities. Some of that discordance is carried over to public transport, including quiet Metro carriages and air-conditioned train and bus coaches.

In response, Bengaluru and Chennai Metro Rail earlier, and Southern Railway now, have announced penalties for travellers who play music or videos on their mobile loudspeakers, causing annoyance to other passengers. The fine on Namma Metro in Bengaluru and the Chennai Metro was set at ₹2,500, while the Railways will levy ₹1,000, besides removing........

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