Indian Railways steps up festive rush management; Delhi stations handle 8 lakh passengers daily

Southern Railway's Palakkad Division has urged passengers to prevent potential firecracker transport during the festive season. Transporting hazardous items like fireworks, gas cylinders, petrol, diesel, kerosene, stoves, matchboxes, and lighters poses a significant danger to passengers, staff, and infrastructure. Even a small spark could start a devastating fire, endangering lives and property.

Breaking the law by carrying such prohibited materials can result in imprisonment for up to three years, fines up to ₹1,000, and full financial responsibility for any injuries, losses, or damage caused. With increased passenger traffic during the holidays, security personnel, including the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and ticket-checkers, are conducting rigorous inspections at stations and on trains.

Special attention is being given to major junction stations such as Pollachi Junction, Palakkad Junction, Shoranur Junction, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod. Palakkad Divisional Railway Manager, Madhukar Roat, has appealed to the public to stay cautious during the busy holiday rush and follow railway safety regulations. He emphasized that a moment of negligence could lead to serious consequences and asked passengers to strictly comply with safety rules and avoid carrying firecrackers or any flammable items on trains or railway premises to ensure a safe and incident-free Diwali.

If passengers notice unattended items or suspicious materials, especially firecrackers, they are instructed to report it to railway staff immediately or call the Railway Helpline at 139.