Railways to install panic buttons at all stations in Samastipur division

Patna: The railways on Thursday announced to install panic buttons at all stations under the Samastipur division of the East Central Railway (ECR) to strengthen passenger safety.

The initiative will cover A, B and C category stations across the division.According to Samastipur divisional railway manager (DRM) Jyoti Prakash Mishra, the project has been assigned to a designated agency with instructions to complete the work on a priority basis. The system is aimed at ensuring quick response during emergencies and strengthening safety for passengers and railway staff.The rollout will be implemented in phases. In the first phase, stations on the Saharsa–Mansi section will be equipped with panic siren buttons.

In subsequent phases, the facility will be extended to other key stations, including Sitamarhi, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Bettiah and Bapudham Motihari.Highlighting the importance of the system amid rising passenger footfall and an increase in passenger trains, including semi high-speed services, the DRM said panic buttons will be installed on every platform and near ticket booking counters. He added that the system would also be crucial in handling medical emergencies within station premises.

Samastipur public relations officer (PRO) R K Singh said that in case of an emergency or perceived threat, passengers or railway personnel can press the button to activate a loud siren. The alert will simultaneously be sent to the control room and station authorities, enabling swift and coordinated action.He added that the system would act as both a deterrent and a rapid-response mechanism, marking a significant step towards enhancing passenger safety in the Samastipur division.