Railways step up checks to prevent firecracker transport during festive season

Southern Railway’s Palakkad Division has issued an appeal to passengers to ensure a safe, incident-free festive period by refraining from carrying firecrackers, explosives, or inflammable items on trains and railway property.

Railway officials emphasised that transporting hazardous items—including fireworks, gas cylinders, petrol, diesel, kerosene, stoves, matchboxes, and lighters—poses a grave danger to passengers, staff, and infrastructure. Even a minor spark can ignite a catastrophic fire, risking lives and property.

​Carrying or attempting to book prohibited hazardous materials as luggage or parcel freight is a severe, punishable offence under Sections 67, 164, and 165 of the Railways Act, 1989. Violators face imprisonment for up to three years, fines of up to ₹1,000, and full legal liability for any injury, loss, or damage caused.

​Owing to heavy passenger traffic over the holidays, security personnel have stepped up surveillance. The Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and ticket-checking staff are carrying out strict checks at stations and on board trains. Special focus is being directed towards key junction stations, including Pollachi Junction, Palakkad Junction, Shoranur Junction, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod.

Madhukar Roat, Divisional Railway Manager, Palakkad, called on the public to exercise caution during the holiday rush and to cooperate in ensuring a safe railway environment during the festive season. He noted that even a moment of carelessness could have serious consequences and urged passengers to strictly adhere to railway safety regulations and refrain from carrying firecrackers or other inflammable materials in trains or into railway premises to ensure a safe and accident-free Diwali.

​Passengers who spot unattended items or suspicious materials—particularly firecrackers—are advised to inform on-duty railway staff immediately or contact the Railway Helpline on 139.