Bhubaneswar, November 6: The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has cautioned passengers against carrying firecrackers and other inflammable or explosive materials on trains during the Diwali celebrations, warning that violations of railway safety rules can attract legal action, including imprisonment.

Carrying hazardous substances such as firecrackers, gas cylinders, petrol, kerosene and acid in passenger trains is strictly prohibited and constitutes a punishable offence under the Railways Act. Appealing to passengers to ensure safe journeys, the Rayagada Division of ECoR has urged them not only to refrain from carrying such materials but also to discourage fellow passengers from doing so.

With Diwali approaching, the Rayagada Division has intensified preventive measures to stop the transportation of firecrackers in passenger and Mail/Express trains. Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Amitabh Singhal has directed officials to launch a special safety drive and maintain strict vigilance against the movement of inflammable and explosive substances to prevent accidents and ensure passenger safety.

The railway authorities have also appealed to passengers to immediately alert on-duty railway personnel if they notice anyone carrying prohibited materials. They can report such incidents to Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, Government Railway Police (GRP), Travelling Ticket Examiners (TTEs), coach attendants, train guards or station managers.

Passengers can also dial the railway helpline number139to report incidents involving the transportation of firecrackers or other hazardous substances on trains.

As part of the awareness and enforcement campaign, the Security Department of the Rayagada Division is conducting random and surprise inspections on trains to detect the movement of firecrackers and explosives. Public announcements are also being made at railway stations to sensitise passengers about the risks associated with carrying such materials.

Special checking drives will be conducted in coordination with the GRP and RPF. Particular attention will be given to parcels and luggage being loaded into parcel vans to prevent the illegal transportation of hazardous substances.

Train escort teams and 'Meri Saheli' teams have also been instructed to remain vigilant and keep a close watch for inflammable and explosive items at railway stations and inside trains.

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The railway administration has emphasised that passenger cooperation is essential to prevent fire-related accidents and ensure a safe and incident-free Diwali for everyone.