₹10,000 Fine for Firecrackers in Trains: Eastern Railway Alert
Eastern Railway warns passengers: carrying firecrackers or explosives in trains can lead to a ₹10,000 fine and imprisonment under the Railways Act.
As the festive season of Diwali and Chhath Puja approaches, Eastern Railway has intensified its vigil to ensure the safety of millions of passengers. The railway authorities have issued a stern warning: carrying firecrackers or any flammable materials in trains or railway premises is strictly prohibited.
Passengers found violating these rules face a heavy penalty of at least ₹10,000. Beyond the monetary fine, the authorities have made it clear that strict legal action will be taken against offenders to prevent any untoward incidents.
Strict Legal Penalties Under the Railways Act
The crackdown is backed by stringent laws. Under Section 165 of the Railways Act, 1989, transporting explosives and dangerous goods within railway property is a punishable crime. The consequences are severe:
- Heavy Fines: A minimum penalty of ₹10,000 for those caught with prohibited items.
- Imprisonment: Offenders can face jail time in addition to monetary penalties.
- Compensation: If the presence of such materials leads to any damage or injury, the individual will be held liable to pay for the total losses incurred.
Recent Crackdown and Seizures
The enforcement drive has already yielded significant results in the current month. In the Howrah and Sealdah divisions, seven cases have been registered during November. This has led to the arrest of eight individuals. During these operations, authorities seized illegal firecrackers with a total estimated value of ₹49,265.
"Carrying firecrackers and explosive materials in trains is a punishable offense under the Railways Act. Such actions put the lives of thousands of passengers at risk," stated Shivram Majhi, Chief Public Relations Officer of Eastern Railway.
24/7 Surveillance and Passenger Vigilance
The massive security operation is being conducted under the leadership of Eastern Railway General Manager Geetika Pandey and Inspector General/Principal Chief Security Commissioner AN Sinha. To prevent any accidents, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has implemented 24/7 monitoring across:
- Railway station platforms
- Parcel complexes
- Individual train coaches
The railway administration has urged all passengers to be vigilant. If you notice any suspicious bags or unidentified objects on a platform or inside a train, report it immediately to the RPF. Safety is the top priority, and the authorities have emphasized that no negligence regarding passenger security will be tolerated.