The Nanded division of the South Central Railway (SCR) has reported a significant crackdown on smoking violations, registering 351 offences during April and May 2023. The division collected fines totaling Rs 68,100 from these incidents. In April alone, 52 cases were recorded, resulting in penalties of Rs 10,000. The number of violations surged in May, with 299 cases generating Rs 58,100 in fines.
Railway Authorities Urge Compliance
Railway officials have appealed to passengers and users to strictly avoid smoking on trains and within railway premises. Rajesh Shinde, Chief Public Relations Inspector of the Nanded division, emphasized the dangers associated with smoking in restricted areas. 'Smoking inside railway coaches, station premises or other railway areas not only violates regulations but also poses a significant risk to passenger safety and railway operations,' Shinde stated.
Fire Hazards and Legal Penalties
The administration highlighted that careless disposal of cigarette butts, bidis, matchsticks, or other flammable materials could lead to fires in coaches, stations, or on railway property. 'Such negligent acts can endanger passengers and staff, and also cause damage to railway assets,' Shinde added. Smoking within railway premises and coaches is a punishable offence under the Railways Act, 1989. Under Section 167, violators can be fined Rs 200 or more. Additionally, Section 153 stipulates that anyone endangering passenger safety through negligence or unlawful acts can face imprisonment of up to five years.
Record Revenue from Ticket Checking
In a related enforcement drive, intensive inspections conducted by ticket-checking teams across trains and stations in the Nanded division during May led to the detection of 28,944 cases of ticketless and irregular travel. These efforts resulted in a record revenue of Rs 1.7 crore for the Railways, underscoring the division's commitment to ensuring compliance and safety.
