The railways will shut down the charging stations in trains

During the night, passengers would no longer be able to use the charging stations in train coaches. To avoid fire incidents, the railways shut down the plant.

After the Delhi-Deharadun Shatabdi Express caught fire near Kansaro in Uttarakhand on March 13, the decision was made. The fire that started in one of the coaches rapidly spread to the other seven.

The railways have also agreed to take action against passengers who smoke in trains. It’s is also proposing a plan to toughen the sentences for such offenses. Those who smoke in trains are currently penalized under Section 167 of the Railways Act. Anyone who is caught smoking faces a fine of up to Rs 100. “Apart from turning off the charging points, the railways are preparing harsh punishments, including arrests, for those found smoking in trains,” an Indian Railways official said.

“To ensure passenger safety, the railways have agreed to turn off charging points in trains from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.,” said Sumit Thakur, Western Railway’s chief public relations officer.

Several fires have been identified as a result of overcharging and heating of laptops and cell phones that were being charged late at night on long-distance trains. He clarified that the most recent action was taken to deter accidents and that the order is also being enforced in other railway zones.

“We are adhering to the laws. A comprehensive safety awareness campaign has also been initiated to educate all. Railway passengers, railway and non-railway employees employed in trains and at stations,” said Shivaji Sutar, Central Railway’s chief public relations officer.

“The divisions of Southern Railway have given instructions reiterating the practice of switching off charging points in the night, the railways also received reports that charging of cell phones and laptops late at night was upsetting fellow travelers,” said B Guganesan, CPRO of Southern Railway.

The railway has issued an alert to staff, including AC mechanics, to switch off the charging points at night. Aside from that, the authorities have agreed to perform surprise tests and punish employees if any flaws are discovered.