Prayagraj: Kanpur Central has emerged as the primary hotspot for unnecessary alarm chain pulling (ACP) in the North Central Railway’s Prayagraj Division, recording 264 cases during the first five and a half months of 2026. The railway authorities prosecuted a total of 1,757 passengers for misusing this emergency facility across the division, highlighting the persistent challenge in curbing such practices that disrupt train operations, affect punctuality, and create avoidable safety concerns.
Station-wise Breakdown of ACP Cases
After Kanpur Central, the highest number of ACP cases was reported from Tundla, with 186 arrests. Prayagraj Junction followed with 132 cases, while Etawah and Aligarh each recorded 131 cases. Other stations with significant numbers include Naini (117), Fatehpur (112), Mirzapur (98), and Phaphund (96). Additionally, stations such as Prayagraj Chheoki, Manikpur, Shikohabad, and Subedarganj reported notable numbers of offenders. The data indicates consistently high violation rates throughout the year, with 274 offenders booked in January, rising to 341 in March, and peaking at 386 in May.
Railway Authorities' Response
According to Prayagraj Division PRO Amit Kumar Singh, all offenders were arrested and prosecuted under the Railway Act between January 1 and June 14. Singh emphasized that the alarm chain is meant solely for genuine emergencies and should never be pulled for personal convenience. Unnecessary chain pulling not only delays trains but also inconveniences thousands of passengers and affects the overall efficiency of railway operations. The railway administration has intensified surveillance and enforcement measures across stations and trains to identify offenders, and passengers are urged to cooperate and use the facility responsibly.
Rajiv Mani, a journalist with TOI's Prayagraj bureau who has covered beats from education to excise and taxation to aviation for two decades, contributed to this report. He has extensively covered two Ardh Kumbhs (2007 and 2019) and two Maha Kumbhs (2013 and 2025), along with various assembly and general elections.
