With Diwali approaching, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has issued a stern warning against carrying firecrackers and other explosive materials on trains, stating that violators could face up to three years of imprisonment or a fine of up to ₹5,000.RPF officials stated that transporting firecrackers, explosives, and flammable substances is strictly prohibited on trains. While most passengers are aware of this rule and comply, there are still some who violate it, putting not only themselves but also other passengers at great risk.
The penalty for a first-time offense is either a fine of ₹1,000 or six months imprisonment. Repeat offenders, however, will face harsher penalties, including up to three years of imprisonment or a fine of ₹5,000.
In preparation for Diwali, RPF officials will conduct awareness campaigns next week to ensure safe travel during the festive season. Advanced scanners and metal detectors will be used to check passengers’ luggage to prevent the illegal transportation of firecrackers.
The warning comes as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers, with RPF authorities emphasizing the dangers posed by such illegal activities.
Meanwhile, Southern Railway announced special trains to clear the extra rush of passengers during Diwali holidays.
According to a statement, train No. 06001 Chennai Central – Kanyakumari festival special will leave Chennai Central at 11.45pm on Oct 29 and Nov 5 and reach Kanyakumari at 12.15pm the next day. Train No. 06002 Kanyakumari – Chennai Egmore festival special will leave Kanyakumari at 2.45pm on Oct 30 and Nov 6 and reach Chennai Egmore at 3.15am the next day.
These trains will have a composition of two AC two-tier, four AC three-tier, 12 sleeper class, three general second class, and two second class coaches (Divyangjan Friendly). They will stop at Chennai Egmore, Tambaram, Chengalpattu, Melmaruvathur, Villupuram, Vriddhachalam, Trichy, Manaparai, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Sattur, Kovilpatti, Tirunelveli, Valliyoor, and Nagercoil.
Train No. 06005 Chennai Central – Sengottai festival special will leave Chennai Central at 7pm on Oct 30 and Nov 6 and reach Sengottai at 9.20am the next day. Train No. 06006 Sengottai – Chennai Central festival special will leave Sengottai at 7.30pm on Oct 31 and Nov 7 and reach Chennai Central at 9.30am the next day.
These trains will have a composition of 15-AC three-tier economy coaches and two luggage cum brake bans. They will stop at Perambur, Tiruvallur, Arakkonam, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tiruthangal, Sivakasi, Srivilliputhur, Rajapalayam, Sankarankovil, Kadayanallur, and Tenkasi.
Similarly, train No. 06049 Tambaram – Kanyakumari festival special will leave Tambaram at 12.35am on Oct 29, Nov 5, and 12 and reach Kanyakumari at 12.15pm the same day. Train No. 06050 Kanyakumari – Tambaram festival special will leave Kanyakumari at 3.35pm on Oct 29, Nov 5, and 12 and reach Tambaram at 4.20am the next day.