In a crucial safety advisory ahead of the upcoming Sankranti festival, the Vijayawada division of the South Central Railway (SCR) has made a fervent appeal to the public. The appeal urges people to strictly avoid flying kites near railway tracks, stations, yards, and other railway installations. This warning comes in the wake of several tragic incidents of electrocution reported in previous years during the festive season.
The Deadly Danger of Overhead Lines
The railway authorities have highlighted the extreme danger posed by the 25 kV overhead electric traction (OHE) lines that power trains. These lines carry extremely high-voltage electricity. The risk is not limited to direct contact. Even an indirect connection, such as through a kite string or thread, can result in severe electric shock or fatal accidents.
An official release issued by the SCR on Tuesday detailed the grim reality. During the previous Sankranti festival season, multiple cases were reported across various zones of Indian Railways. In these incidents, individuals suffered grave injuries or lost their lives after coming into contact with kite threads that had become entangled with the live overhead wires.
The Specific Threat of Chinese-Manufactured Threads
The advisory specifically pointed to the heightened risk associated with certain types of kite strings. The use of Chinese-imported kite threads, which are often coated with metallic or chemical substances, was emphasized. These threads act as efficient conductors of electricity. When such a conductive thread makes contact with the live overhead traction equipment, it creates an immediate and lethal hazard.
This threat is twofold. It primarily endangers human life, putting kite flyers and bystanders at extreme risk. Secondly, it poses a serious risk to the critical railway electrical infrastructure. Such incidents can cause power supply disruptions, damage to equipment, and subsequently lead to delays or cancellations of train services. This creates safety hazards for thousands of passengers and railway staff alike.
A Call for Responsible Celebration
In this context, the SCR Vijayawada division authorities have earnestly requested public cooperation. They have urged citizens to celebrate festivals in a responsible and safe manner. The primary goals are to ensure the safety of human lives and to maintain smooth, uninterrupted train operations across the network during the busy festive period.
The message is clear: celebrate Sankranti with joy, but keep the celebrations away from the deadly vicinity of railway electrical lines. Choosing a safe, open area away from railway premises for kite flying can prevent tragedy and ensure a happy festival for all.
