BHUBANESWAR, OCT 18
With the Diwali festival approaching, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has intensified its efforts to ensure passenger safety by launching a special drive against the illegal transportation of firecrackers and other inflammable items on trains. ECoR has reiterated that carrying dangerous goods such as crackers, gas cylinders, acids, petrol, kerosene, and similar materials in passenger trains is a punishable offense under the Railways Act, 1989, which can result in imprisonment of up to three years.
To promote safe travel during the festive season, East Coast Railway urges passengers to exercise caution and refrain from carrying any inflammable or explosive items. 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), Ticket Checking Staff (TTEs), coach attendants, or station managers.
To ensure compliance, all three divisions under East Coast Railway —Khurda Road, Sambalpur, and Waltair — have been instructed to conduct a Special Safety Drive. This initiative will involve stringent checks and continuous surveillance to prevent the transport of firecrackers or other hazardous goods in passenger and mail/express trains during Diwali.
Passengers are urged to immediately report any sightings of individuals carrying inflammable objects by calling the Railway Help Line at 139. ECoR’s security teams will carry out random surprise checks in coordination with the RPF, GRP, and Civil Defence volunteers to enforce compliance.
In addition to these security measures, ECoR has initiated a comprehensive awareness campaign through public announcements at railway stations, educating passengers about the dangers of carrying firecrackers. Special teams will also focus on ensuring the safe handling of parcels and luggage loaded in parcel vans.
To bolster safety, Train Escorting Teams and Meri Saheli Teams will closely monitor both passengers and luggage for any signs of inflammable items. Furthermore, adequate fire extinguishers and firefighting equipment have been strategically placed at stations, goods sheds, guard vans, AC coaches, pantry cars, and locomotives.
