Indian Railways: 725 passengers arrested for unauthorized chain pulling, fines worth lakhs recovered
The Jodhpur Railway Division has taken strict action against passengers who pull the alarm chain without valid reasons. Under a zero tolerance policy, authorities arrested 725 people over a short period in April 2026. This drive was conducted to minimize train delays that affect thousands of other commuters daily across the rail network. Railway officials have deployed special surveillance teams at major stations and sensitive sections to monitor such activities.
What are the legal penalties for unauthorized chain pulling?
According to Section 141 of the Railways Act 1989, pulling the alarm chain without a genuine emergency is a punishable offense. Those found guilty can face a fine of up to 1,000 rupees, a prison sentence of up to one year, or both. In addition to legal fines, the railway can impose detention charges. These charges are calculated based on the delay caused to the train and can accumulate to significant amounts depending on how many other trains are affected by the stoppage.
Enforcement data from different railway divisions
Recent reports show that multiple railway divisions are running special campaigns to stop this practice. The Samay Palan campaign and other surveillance drives have led to thousands of arrests across the country. The data below highlights the enforcement actions taken in various regions recently.
| Railway Division | Period | Action Taken | Fine Collected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jodhpur Division | April 2026 | 725 Arrests | 2.81 Lakh |
| Ferozepur Division | July 2025 – Jan 2026 | 913 Arrests | 97,000 |
| Chakradharpur | July 2025 – Jan 2026 | 717 Arrests | Not Specified |
| East Central Railway | March 2026 | 514 Penalized | Not Specified |
When is it legal to pull the alarm chain?
The alarm chain is provided strictly for life-threatening emergencies or critical situations. Passengers are allowed to use it if a passenger’s life is in danger or if a serious medical emergency occurs while the train is moving. It can also be used if children under 10 years or elderly persons over 60 years are left behind at the platform. Using the chain for personal reasons, such as boarding a late friend or getting off near a specific location, is illegal and leads to strict legal action.