East Coast Railway: With Diwali approaching, East Coast Railway (ECoR) has launched a 15-day Zonal Safety Drive to prevent fire incidents and strengthen fire safety measures across its jurisdiction.
The drive is being conducted across Khurda Road, Sambalpur and Rayagada Divisions, involving officers and supervisors of all departments. Special emphasis is being given to identifying potential fire hazards, ensuring the availability and proper functioning of firefighting equipment and creating awareness among passengers and railway staff.
Passengers have been cautioned against carrying firecrackers, gas cylinders, petrol, kerosene, acid and other inflammable or dangerous materials during train journeys. Carrying such prohibited items in passenger trains is a punishable offence under the Railways Act, 1989, and may attract imprisonment of up to three years. Passengers are also urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious luggage or violations to railway staff or by calling Railway Helpline No. 139.
As part of the drive, railway officials, in coordination with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP), will conduct random and surprise checks of luggage and parcels before loading them into SLRs. Inspections will also be carried out to check the availability and working condition of fire extinguishers and smoke and fire detection systems at stations, coaches, pantry cars, power cars and locomotives.
Electrical wiring and safety systems in coaches and pantry cars will be inspected to identify loose wires and other potential hazards. Passengers will be cautioned against using mobile and laptop charging points for operating heaters or other electrical appliances. Railway staff will also ensure the display of ‘No Smoking’ signs and keep passages, vestibules and coach doors free from obstructions.
Pantry car staff and contractual workers will be counselled on fire prevention and the proper use of firefighting equipment. Fire safety boards, stickers and awareness pamphlets will also be displayed and distributed at stations and trains to educate passengers about fire safety precautions.
Station staff, cabin staff, gatemen and running staff have been instructed to maintain extra vigilance and promptly report any indication of fire in passing trains. These coordinated efforts aim to prevent fire related incidents and ensure safe and secure train journeys during the festive season.
