November 21, 2020: In all train coaches carrying passengers there are provisions of “Alarm Chain”. These chains are provided for passengers to communicate with the guard, loco pilot or other train escorting staff during any emergency. This system continues to be a reliable system for passengers during train journey considering the safety and security issues. The “Alarm Chain” shall not be pulled unless there is an emergency e.g. Medical emergency, Accidents such as fire in the train, Safety purposes like robbery, dacoits, etc.
However, it is seen that the provision of “Alarm Chain” is often misused by some passengers affecting train punctuality leading to operational loss and discomfort to fellow passengers. The analysis of reasons which lead to pulling of chains indicates that, passengers resort to chain pulling for trivial and emotional reasons. The time required in resetting the brake system and record the reason for alarm chain pull detains the train. Therefore the detention caused by Alarm Chain Pulling (ACP) is three to four times more than the normal braking by loco pilots to stop the train. As a result the punctuality of other trains on the route also gets affected.
NFR is taking regular actions to control the menace. During the year 2019 (January to December) as many as 1318 cases of misuse of the “Alarm Chain” were reported leading to arrest of 1756 persons. During the current year (upto 18th November 2020) 489 cases were reported and 635 persons were arrested.
During this month on 12.11.2020 one person namely Sunny Kumar (M-23) of Dist.- Shamli(UP) was arrested by RPF for causing 06 minutes delay to train no 02424 at Lumding. The accused tried to get down from the train by pulling chain after having personal dispute with his co-worker. In another incident on 13.11.2020, one person namely Sunil Bed (M-40) resident of Kamakhyaguri under Alipurduar district of West Bengal was apprehended by RPF for causing 08 minutes delay to train no 05910 between Daldali and Diphu station when he pulled the “Alarm chain” mistakenly. In both the cases arrested persons were sent to court after registering cases.
The pulling of the “Alarm Chain” without sufficient and reasonable cause is a crime under Section 141 of Railways Act, 1989. Under the Railway Act, those found misusing the “Alarm Chain” faces imprisonment for a term which may extend upto 1(one) year or a fine which may extend upto Rs.1, 000/- or both.