Indian Railways intensifies crackdown on unauthorized chain pulling with thousands arrested and fined
Indian Railways has strictly implemented rules against unauthorized alarm chain pulling to maintain train punctuality and passenger safety. Action is being taken under Section 141 of the Railway Act 1989, which makes unnecessary chain pulling a punishable offense. Recent reports from various railway zones indicate a massive surge in arrests and fines collected from violators across the country.
Recent enforcement actions and data across divisions
| Railway Division | Period | Action Taken | Fine Collected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Railway | Year 2025 | 16,000 cases registered and 14,000 sent to jail | N/A |
| East Central Railway | March 1 – 15, 2026 | 514 people detained | 1.46 Lakh |
| Ferozepur Division | July 2025 – Jan 2026 | 913 persons arrested | 97,000 |
| Sonepur Division | March 17 – 24, 2026 | 35 people arrested | 15,000 |
What are the legal rules and penalties for chain pulling?
According to Section 141 of the Railway Act 1989, interfering with the communication system of a train without sufficient cause is a crime. Offenders can face up to one year of imprisonment, a fine of 1,000 rupees, or both. For the first offense, a minimum fine of 500 rupees is mandatory, while subsequent offenses can lead to three months of mandatory jail time. Railway officials state that these measures are necessary to prevent operational losses and delays that affect thousands of daily passengers.
Passengers are only allowed to use the alarm chain during genuine emergencies such as a fire on the train, a medical crisis, or if a child under 10 or a senior citizen over 60 is left behind at the station. Official awareness campaigns like Samay Palan and Mahila Suraksha are also being conducted by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) to educate people and ensure discipline inside reserved coaches.