Pune: Passengers pulling the alarm chain without valid reasons will now face stricter penalties as the railway administration introduces a fine of ₹8,000 per minute for such actions. This decision, aimed at curbing unnecessary disruptions, marks a significant increase from the existing fine of ₹1,000.
Current Penalties Under the Railway Act
As per Section 141 of the Railway Act, halting a train without a valid reason is a punishable offense, carrying a fine of ₹1,000 or imprisonment for up to one year. While courts generally impose monetary fines, the Northern and Western-Central Railways have started enforcing the new ₹8,000 per minute penalty to address rising incidents.
Cost Implications of Emergency Stops
Railway officials have stated that unscheduled halts can cost the administration an average of ₹80,000 per stop. Regaining the train's original speed after a halt typically takes 10 minutes, affecting other trains' schedules. The Central Railway is currently consulting legal experts and plans to implement the new penalty soon. Key stations, including Bhopal, have already begun enforcing this policy.
Pune Station
On average, three trains are halted daily at Pune station using alarm chains. Evening express trains like Howrah, Jhelum, and Danapur Express are among the most affected.
Valid and Invalid Reasons for Emergency Stops
To ensure clarity, the railway administration has outlined valid and invalid reasons for pulling the emergency chain:
Valid Reasons:
Fire in a train coach
Passenger falling out of the train
Smoke from wheels or toilets
Invalid Reasons:
Co-passenger left behind on the platform after the train departs
Attempting to retrieve luggage from a moving train