Samastipur DRM asks RPF to check vandalism in trains

Patna: Samastipur RPF personnel have been directed to check vandalism on running passenger trains falling under Samastipur division of the East Central Railway (ECR). The loss of railway property must be taken seriously and the delinquents must be brought to book under the RPF Acts , said Samastipur divisional railway manager ( DRM ) Jyoti Prakash Mishra.According to Mishra, the railways has taken serious note of repeated incidents of vandalism targeting the Jayanagar–Samastipur passenger train ( 55514). Seats inside several coaches of the train are being torn and damaged by mischief-makers, causing inconvenience to passengers and raising concerns over safety and maintenance, he said .During the past one month this particular train has become a soft target for vested interests who are indulging in such acts during regular operations.

The damage to coach interiors not only violates railway safety rules, but also results in significant loss to railway property, the DRM said adding such vandalism affects the punctuality of the train, as coaches often require unscheduled attention and repairs.In addition the railways has issued an advisory urging passengers and the general public to immediately report any such incidents to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) by calling helpline numbers 182 or 139 enabling swift action against those responsible for damaging the interior beauty of the coaches and seats as well.

The railways has appealed to commuters to remain vigilant and cooperate with railway authorities to ensure the safety, cleanliness and smooth operation of passenger services on the Jayanagar- Samastipur route , DRM said .Besides, the railways has stepped up winter safety measures in the division by introducing installation of fog safe device (FSD) on the locomotives to keep a close watch on the foggy weather condition on the most vulnerable places , strengthening signalling system and installing visibility test objects (VTOs) at crucial places as other steps being taken to deal with foggy weather condition effectively in the division , DRM said .