Bhubaneswar: With Diwali fast approaching, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) launched a special drive to prevent the illegal transportation of firecrackers and other inflammable items on trains, according to a notification issued Friday.
ECoR reiterated that carrying dangerous goods such as firecrackers, gas cylinders, acid, petrol, kerosene, and similar materials on passenger-carrying trains is a punishable offence under the Railways Act, 1989, which can result in up to three years in prison, the notification added.
To ensure safe journeys during the festive season, ECoR has appealed to passengers to exercise caution and avoid carrying any inflammable or explosive items while travelling. Co-passengers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any violations by informing onboard staff, including Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, Government Railway Police (GRP), TTEs, coach attendants, or station managers, it added.
All three divisions under ECoR—Khurda Road, Sambalpur, and Waltair—have been instructed to conduct a special safety drive involving stringent checks and continuous surveillance to prevent the transportation of firecrackers or other hazardous goods on passenger and mail/express trains during Diwali, the notification stated.
ECoR has urged passengers to immediately report any sightings of individuals carrying inflammable objects by calling the Railway Helpline Number 139. In addition to these security measures, ECoR has launched an awareness campaign through public announcements at railway stations to educate passengers about the dangers of carrying firecrackers. Special teams will ensure the safe handling of parcels and luggage loaded in parcel vans, it noted.
To enhance safety, Train Escorting Teams and Meri Saheli Teams have been assigned to closely monitor passengers and luggage for any signs of inflammable items. Adequate fire extinguishers and firefighting equipment have been placed at stations, goods sheds, guard vans, AC coaches, pantry cars, and locomotives, the notification stated.
UNI