AB News, New Delhi, December 5, 2024: In a significant move aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and minimizing disruptions, Indian Railways has introduced strict penalties for passengers engaging in unnecessary chain pulling. Effective December 6, 2024, the new rule imposes hefty fines on those who pull the emergency chain without a serious reason, making it much costlier to halt trains unnecessarily.
Under the new regulation, a fine of ₹500 will be levied for chain pulling, along with a detention charge calculated at a staggering ₹8,000 per minute for the duration the train is halted. This means that if a train is stopped for just five minutes due to chain pulling, offenders would face a total bill of ₹40,500—₹500 for the fine and ₹40,000 for the detention charge.
The rationale behind this substantial change comes from the railway authorities’ acknowledgment of the financial losses incurred due to unwarranted chain pulling. Once the chain is pulled, it typically takes between five to seven minutes to restart the train, with delays sometimes extending up to ten minutes. Such delays not only disrupt train schedules but also lead to an immense loss for the railway system, which is already burdened with operational challenges.
In a recent report, Deveshish Tripathi, the Divisional Railway Manager of Bhopal, stated that the rule will be implemented in the Bhopal division of West Central Railway, following its earlier adoption in the Northeastern Railway. This proactive step is targeted at reducing delays caused by chain pulling and ensuring that trains run on time.
In the Bhopal Railway division alone, authorities have already acted upon 1,262 cases of chain pulling over the past three months, collecting a total fine of nearly ₹2,90,775 under Section 141 of the Railway Act. The significant number of violations highlights the pressing need for stricter enforcement of regulations.
Additionally, the new rules also aim to deter passengers who attempt to board or de-board while the emergency chain is pulled. If caught, these individuals will also be considered guilty of chain pulling and may face additional fines. Therefore, railway officials strongly advise passengers to refrain from trying to board or exit the train during such incidents.
However, the regulation does include exemptions where no fines will be applied. Chain pulling is permissible if it is done for legitimate reasons, such as when a passenger’s life is at risk, or to prevent a potential accident. Children under the age of ten or senior citizens over sixty years of age are also given leeway in certain exceptional circumstances.
As these new rules take effect, the Indian Railways aims to instill a sense of responsibility among passengers regarding the proper use of emergency mechanisms, while also protecting its operational efficiency and service reliability. This decisive action underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to improving the overall travel experience and ensuring the safety and punctuality of its services.
