RPF campaigns against stone pelting and alarm chain pulling

Maligaon, June 28 (MExN): Railway Protection Force (RPF) of NF Railway has been conducting special campaigns against the menaces of stone pelting and alarm chain pulling on trains. The campaigns are being conducted covering nearby localities of Railway tracks and stations, villages, schools, passengers at stations etc. The aim is to counsel them about the consequence of such menaces on trains and its repercussions on passenger safety and train operations. Posters and pamphlets are being distributed to make peoples aware about the perils of such menaces.

 RPF deployment has been done in sections/areas where incidents of stone pelting normally take place to ensure safe passage of trains. A total of 38 incidents of stone pelting were reported over NF Railway during the year 2022. Till June 24, 37 incidents were reported and 9 persons were arrested in this connection. Pelting stones or similar objects on trains is a criminal offence under sections 153 & 154 prescribed in Railway Act. Any person, if intentionally or unintentionally throws any object into or upon any rolling stock forming part of a train that may endanger the safety of any passenger onboard and obstruct any rolling stock; the offender shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend upto ten years. 

On the other hand, a total of 1464 incidents of alarm chain pulling were reported over NF Railway during the year 2022. Till June 24, 661 incidents were reported, 639 persons were arrested and prosecuted and fine above Rs 1.52 lakh were collected in this connection. Alarm Chain Pulling is adjudged as one of the major factors for the delayed operation of trains services. 

NF Railway has appealed to the travelling public to refrain from alarm chain pulling to maintain the punctuality of trains. In case of any emergency or grievance, the traveling passengers should first inform the Traveling Ticket Examiner in charge of the concerned coach for necessary redressal. Pulling of alarm chain, without reasonable and sufficient cause is a punishable offence under section 141 of Indian Railways Act, 1989. The penalty includes imprisonment up to one year or fine of Rs 1000 or both.

NF Railway also appeals to the general public and passengers to inform on the toll-free helpline number, 139, if they come across incidents such as trespassing, stone pelting and alarm chain pulling on trains. Railway property is public property and protection of public property is everybody’s collective responsibility, stated a press release issued by Sabyasachi De, Chief Public Relations Officer, NFR.