Delhi Railway Division has taken strict action against people pulling the alarm chain without valid reasons. In the first four months of this year, 1483 individuals were arrested for this offense. Railway officials stated that such acts disrupt train operations and cause unnecessary delays for thousands of passengers.
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What are the penalties for illegal chain pulling?
Under Section 141 of the Railway Act 1989, pulling the alarm chain without a valid reason is a punishable offense. A person found guilty can face a fine of up to 1,000 rupees, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. In some severe cases, the offender may be barred from government jobs for life.
How does chain pulling affect train timings?
A single instance of unauthorized chain pulling can delay a train by 10 to 15 minutes. This creates a ripple effect, affecting other trains on the same route. Under ‘Operation Samay Palan’, the railways are targeting this issue to improve punctuality. In 2025 alone, North Railway registered over 16,000 cases, leading to 14,000 arrests and fines exceeding 58 lakh rupees.
Key statistics on chain pulling arrests across divisions
| Railway Division/Zone | Arrests/Cases | Period/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi Division | 1,483 | First 4 months of 2026 |
| Bhopal Division | 440 | April 2026 |
| Prayagraj Division | 1,171 | Jan to April 2026 |
| Asansol Division | 1,455 | FY 2025-26 |
| North Railway | 14,000+ | Year 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the fine for pulling the alarm chain without a reason?
According to Section 141 of the Railway Act 1989, the penalty includes a fine of up to 1,000 rupees or imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
What is Operation Samay Palan?
It is a special railway campaign to reduce train delays by taking strict action against those who misuse the alarm chain, resulting in thousands of arrests nationwide.
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