Over 650 arrested for chain-pulling in Northern-Railway in 6 months
More than 650 people were arrested in the last six months for chain-pulling in the trains of Northern Railway, the department revealed. "It has been observed that many times passengers pull the alarm chain without any emergency and for reasons such as relatives or friends getting late or to de-board or board at stations where the train does not have stoppage," a statement said.
Misuse of chain-pulling adversely affect passengers, operations of other trains
The statement said the facility of alarm chain pulling (ACP) was meant to be used only in cases of extreme emergency. "Misuse of the facility of ACP is a criminal act and a menace that results in late running of trains and adversely affects all the passengers in the train. Not only this, it affects the operations of many other trains also," it said.
Here is what the Railway Act says about ACP
Section 141 of The Railway Act deals with the misuse of ACP cases and states that when a passenger, without reasonable and sufficient cause, makes use of the alarm chain, the punishment shall be imprisonment for three months.
Strict action will be taken against offenders: Divisional railway manager
R N Singh, divisional railway-manager, today appealed to passengers to desist from ACP due to frivolous reasons as it adversely affected the schedule of other trains. "Strict action, including arrests, is being taken against passengers caught in the act of chain pulling for frivolous reasons," he said. "658 offenders have been arrested in last six months and more action will follow," he said.
