Pune: When traveling by train, an emergency chain (alarm chain) is available in the compartments to stop the train in case of an accident or emergency.

The railway has mandated that this chain should only be used during emergencies. However, some passengers misuse this chain for trivial reasons.

Between April 2023 and June 28, 2024, the Pune Railway Division registered 1992 cases against such passengers, leading to the arrest of 1440 individuals and the collection of fines amounting to 7.73 lakh rupees.

The emergency chain is intended to be used in life-threatening situations, accidents, or fires to prevent harm to passengers. However, it has been observed that some passengers use it for minor reasons, causing inconvenience to others.

Unnecessary use of the chain results in train delays and disrupts the schedule of subsequent trains. Some passengers have been found pulling the chain simply to stop the train to reach the station on time. Such actions are punishable under Section 141 of the Railway Act.

Efforts to Prevent Misuse

The misuse of the alarm chain by a few passengers causes inconvenience to all others. To prevent such incidents, the railway department conducts continuous awareness campaigns.

Announcements are made at stations, and information is displayed inside the train compartments. Despite these efforts, some passengers continue to misuse the alarm chain.

Significant Fines

In the Central Railway Division, from April 2023 to June 28, 2024, there were 11,434 cases of alarm chain pulling.

Action was taken against 9,657 individuals under Section 141 of the Railway Act, resulting in fines totaling 63.21 lakh rupees. In the Pune Railway Division alone, 1992 cases were registered, leading to the arrest of 1440 individuals and fines amounting to 7.73 lakh rupees.

The railway administration urges passengers to use the alarm chain only in genuine emergencies.