South Central Railway (SCR) has started conducting intensive checks on trains to ensure passenger safety and prevent fire-related activities. The two-month-long drive began on November 17 and will involve extensive checks on trains and railway stations for the presence of inflammable items. The public and rail users are also being educated about the consequences of engaging in fire-related activities on railway premises. Passengers are advised to avoid lighting incense sticks, burning camphor, or carrying inflammables on trains and stations to prevent fire hazards. Lighting any form of fire on trains or railway premises is strictly prohibited.
To raise awareness, regular public announcements and audio/video clips are being used at station premises to inform passengers about the prohibition of carrying inflammables. Carrying flammable and explosive articles on railways is considered a punishable offense under sections 67, 164, and 165 of the Railway Act 1989. The penalties for this offense can include fines of up to Rs 1,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
Arun Kumar Jain, the general manager of SCR, has appealed to rail users to cooperate with the railways by not carrying inflammable materials while traveling. Passengers are also advised against lighting fires or lamps in train coaches.
