The Railway Protection Force (RPF) is set to implement stringent penal action against commuters who board or alight from moving trains, treating it as a mandatory punishable offence with fines up to Rs 2,000. This decision comes in response to a sharp increase in platform accidents, particularly in the Thiruvananthapuram division.
Policy Shift from Warnings to Fines
Earlier, authorities largely issued warnings or moved the railway court as a last resort. However, under the new policy, on-the-spot fines will be imposed under Section 156 of the Railways Act. A senior RPF official stated, "A decision has been taken to treat the risky behaviour as a crime. We will start handing out on-the-spot fines, with penalties up to Rs 2,000 for such acts."
The RPF in the Thiruvananthapuram division is awaiting the official circular, expected within a couple of days, to enforce the new rule.
Rising Mishaps Drive Crackdown
The policy aims to act as a psychological deterrent, forcing passengers to consider the value of a few saved seconds against a legal record and potential tragedy. The crackdown is fueled by a record number of 37 mishaps in the division during the first four months of this year, resulting in 12 deaths and 25 grievous injuries. The latest incident occurred on April 30, when a 35-year-old woman died after slipping and falling under a moving train while attempting to board the Vanchinad Express at Ernakulam Junction station.
In 2025, the Thiruvananthapuram division recorded 113 such mishaps, including slips during boarding and falls from coaches, with 31 fatalities.
Preventable Yet Lethal Accidents
RPF officials note that falling from moving trains remains one of the most preventable yet lethal categories of accidents. A railway spokesperson explained, "Even for seasoned commuters, maintaining balance is a gamble when standing near open doors. The iron doors can catch them unaware while the train negotiates curves, and the centrifugal force can pull a standing passenger outward."
Officials also observed that some travelers stand near doors even when seats are vacant, especially during hot and humid conditions.
Additional Measures Planned
Authorities plan to complement the fine with intensive counseling sessions for offenders, station announcements, and increased surveillance on trains known for overcrowding. These steps aim to enhance overall safety and reduce the number of preventable accidents.
