Hyderabad: South Central Railway (SCR) has geared itself to ensure safety in rail travel during the Diwali festival season, by launching a drive against carrying of fire crackers or inflammables in trains.
SCR General Manager Vinod Kumar Yadav has directed all the divisions on the zone to intensify checks at railway stations and in trains to keep a vigil on carrying of fire crackers or other inflammables by passengers which poses the risk of causing fire accidents.
Teams of officials from Railway Protection Force (RPF), Safety and Commercial Branches will undertake stringent checks to prevent passengers from carrying Fire Crackers, Gas Cylinder, Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene, Stoves, Lantern, Explosive Chemical powder, Acids or Chemicals etc., in railway stations and in trains during their journey.
Stern action will be taken against the offenders. Likewise, strict watch will also be kept on smoking, which is banned in railway premises.
As per section 67, 154, 164 and 165 of the Railways Act 1989, carrying inflammable and explosive articles on Railways is a punishable offence with a punishment of up to 3 years imprisonment or fine up to Rs. 1000/- or both, besides being liable for the loss / injury or damage caused.
Keeping the aspect of safety in view and the fact that carrying of Fire Crackers or other inflammables in trains is a punishable offence, South Central Railway cautions all rail users not to carry fire crackers or any other explosive / inflammable articles as luggage / parcel with them in trains or in railway premises, and cooperate with the railways.
In the interest of Public Safety, South Central Railway requests rail users to cooperate and remain vigilant to alert the railway staff or call Security Helpline – 182, in case they notice any person carrying fire crackers or any other inflammable/ suspicious material in trains or at stations, so as to enable the Railways to initiate immediate action. (INN)