In a first, the Special Magistrate Court of Bongaigaon has imposed a penalty of Rs 8,000 on an individual for the misuse of an alarm chain in a train, causing unnecessary detention. The incident occurred on 15 November 2024, when the offender pulled the alarm chain of train number 12520 DN Agartala–Lokmanya Tilak Express near Barpeta Road station.
The unauthorised act halted the train at kilometre 296/1, disrupting its schedule. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) team on duty swiftly apprehended the offender, who was prosecuted under Section 141 of the Railways Act. The imposed fine included recovery of the train detention charges, marking a decisive action against such violations.
This case underscores the ongoing issue of alarm chain misuse, which impacts train punctuality and operational efficiency. The N. F. Railway’s RPF previously addressed five similar cases in the Alipurduar Division and eight cases in the Katihar Division. All apprehended individuals are currently facing trials in their respective court jurisdictions for violations of the Railways Act.
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Alarm chains are critical safety features designed for emergencies that affect passenger safety or security. Misuse of these chains for non-urgent reasons is a punishable offence under Section 141 of the Railways Act, which can result in penalties, arrest, or both.
The misuse of alarm chains not only delays services but also causes operational and financial losses to the Railways. Authorities urge passengers to use this feature responsibly, only in genuine emergencies, to ensure seamless and timely operations.
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