VIJAYAWADA: Smoking and carrying inflammable materials in trains and on railway premises continue to pose a serious threat to passenger safety and railway property.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF), Vijayawada Division, has intensified its enforcement drive against such violations under Sections 164 and 167 of the Railways Act.
Despite repeated awareness campaigns, instances of passengers smoking and carrying hazardous materials are still being reported in AC coaches, sleeper coaches, general compartments, toilets, vestibules, platforms, and other railway areas, creating fire risk and endangering lives. In a recent incident on May 21, a passenger, Galam Dhanalakshmi, aged about 40 years and a resident of Chandrajupalem Village in Guntur District, was found carrying a 15.4 kg gas cylinder.
She admitted to the offence and was informed that carrying such inflammable items is prohibited and punishable under Section 164 of the Railways Act. The cylinder was seized, and a case was registered under Crime No. 772/2026 at Chirala RPF Post. In another serious incident on January 9, smoking led to an accidental fire in Coach B-5 of Train No. 17479 at Tuni.
The accused, Mohammad Akbar Alam, aged 31 years and working as a bedroll attendant, was arrested in connection with the case under GRP/Tuni Crime No. 05/2026, highlighting the dangerous consequences of such negligent acts.
In 2025, total 403 cases were registered under Section 167 of the Railways Act against smoking offenders, out of which 330 cases resulted in convictions, and a fine amount of Rs 32,900 was realized, while the remaining cases are under process.
The enforcement drive has been further intensified in 2026, and up to 21.05.2026, a total of 1186 cases have been registered with all 1186 offenders apprehended. So far, 187 cases have resulted in convictions with a fine amount of Rs 18,900 realized, and the remaining cases are under process for disposal.
The public is once again informed that smoking in trains and railway premises is a punishable offence under Section 167 of the Railways Act, while carrying inflammable materials is punishable under Section 164 of the Railways Act. Strict legal action is being taken against violators as part of ongoing enforcement measures.
Passengers are advised to refrain from smoking in trains and railway premises and not to carry or use inflammable substances in coaches or station areas. The RPF, Vijayawada Division, appeals to all passengers to cooperate with the railway authorities in ensuring a safe, secure, and fire-free travel environment for all.