Bhubaneswar, November 6: In view of the upcoming Diwali festival, East Coast Railway (ECoR) has launched a 15-day special Zonal Safety Drive from November 4 to 18, 2026, to prevent fire-related incidents and reinforce safety measures across its jurisdiction.

The drive is being undertaken across the Khurda Road, Sambalpur and Rayagada divisions with the active participation of officers and supervisors from all departments. The initiative focuses on identifying potential fire hazards, ensuring the availability and proper functioning of firefighting equipment, and raising awareness among railway employees and passengers.

As part of the safety campaign, passengers have been advised not to carry firecrackers, gas cylinders, petrol, kerosene, acid or any other inflammable and hazardous materials while travelling by train. Carrying such prohibited items in passenger trains is a punishable offence under the Railways Act, 1989, and can attract imprisonment of up to three years. Passengers have also been urged to report suspicious luggage or any violation to railway authorities or through Railway Helpline No. 139.

Railway officials, in coordination with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP), will conduct random and surprise inspections of luggage and parcels before they are loaded into Seating-cum-Luggage Rakes (SLRs). The drive will also cover checks on the availability and operational condition of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and fire detection systems at railway stations, coaches, pantry cars, power cars and locomotives.

Special attention will be given to electrical wiring and safety arrangements in coaches and pantry cars to detect loose connections and other possible sources of fire. Passengers will be warned against using mobile phone and laptop charging points to operate heaters or other electrical appliances. Railway staff will also ensure that 'No Smoking' notices are prominently displayed and that passages, vestibules and coach entrances remain free of obstructions.

Pantry car employees and contractual workers will be sensitised to fire prevention measures and trained in the proper use of firefighting equipment. Fire safety boards, stickers and awareness pamphlets will also be displayed and distributed at stations and inside trains to educate passengers about essential precautions.

Station staff, cabin personnel, gatemen and running staff have been directed to remain extra vigilant and immediately report any signs of fire in passing trains.

Through these coordinated preventive measures, ECoR aims to minimise fire hazards, strengthen emergency preparedness and ensure safe and hassle-free train journeys for passengers during the Diwali festive season.