15 trains held up daily in SCR as errant passengers cry wolf

Hyderabad: At least 15 trains are being brought to a halt daily by errant passengers who pull the alarm chain to help their friends catch the train or disembark at an unscheduled stop, say officials of the South Central Railway (SCR) who have launched a crackdown on the menace of alarm chain misuse.
"The alarm chain is meant to be pulled only in case of emergencies, such as fire, theft, or safety of passengers. However, many passengers on express and superfast trains routinely pull the chain merely to help someone catch the train or to get the train to stop at an unscheduled station," a senior SCR official said, adding that the wrongful activation of alarm chains causes delays for not just the 1,000 to 1,500 passengers per affected train, but also affects the punctuality of other trains as well.
Once an alarm chain is pulled, the train's emergency brake is activated. The train's pressure valve system requires a minimum of 15 minutes to return to its operational state. During this 15-minute interval, railway staff inspect the affected coach, locate the pulled chain, and properly reset the safety mechanism before issuing the all-clear to the loco pilot.
Whenever these incidents are registered, RPF personnel investigate the cause of chain pulling. If they find that the chain was pulled without valid justification, they will detain the offender and initiate legal action under Section 141 of the Indian Railways Act, 1989. In cases where RPF staff are unavailable, other railway officials present in the train will take custody of the offenders for subsequent prosecution.
Officials said escort personnel in trains were instructed to maintain heightened alertness while on duty, particularly in vulnerable sections. The authorities are conducting regular patrols in affected sections and black spots.
Those caught breaking the law will face proceedings at the Railway Court in Bhoiguda, where they could be sentenced to imprisonment ranging from 10 days to six months, plus penalties, based on the severity of the offence.
"RPF is actively monitoring such incidents, intensifying surveillance, and taking strict action against offenders under the Railways Act to ensure smooth train operations. Video clips in local languages and short films are being displayed to raise awareness, and frequent announcements regarding illegal alarm chain pulling and its consequences with penal provisions for violations are made at all stations over the zone," the official added.