Railways shore up security ahead of Deepavali

Railway security in Palakkad division has been beefed up ahead of the Deepavali festival. Personnel of Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) have started conducting special checks to ensure enhanced security for rail passengers.

Rail users have been warned against carrying or transporting flammable goods like fire crackers, gas cylinders, petrol, diesel, kerosene, stoves, matchboxes, and cigarette lighters. “A small spark can often result in grave accidents, jeopardising passenger safety and causing extensive damage to railway assets,” said Divisional Railway Manager Madhukar Roat.

RPF and GRP teams, supported by sniffer dogs, have been deployed at key stations in the division. Surveillance camera monitoring too has been strengthened, said Mr. Roat.

He said that ticket checking was intensified at major stations like Palakkad Junction, Shoranur Junction, Kozhikode, Kannur and Mangaluru Central. He urged rail users to ‘celebrate Diwali responsibly’ by refraining from carrying or transporting any flammable materials in trains.

Mr. Roat warned that carrying flammable materials on train would evoke punishment under Sections 67, 164 and 165 of the Railway Act of 1989. “Offenders may face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to ₹1,000, or both, and will be held liable for any consequential loss, injury or damage,” he said.

Mr. Roat urged the passengers to remain alert and to inform the railway if they notice any suspicious materials. Passengers can use the railway toll-free number 139 to report.