1,175 Held for Chain Pulling, 3,061 Men Caught in Women’s Coaches on ECR

The East Central Railway (ECR) intensified its crackdown on passengers violating railway regulations during May 2026, detaining more than 4,200 individuals under two special enforcement campaigns aimed at ensuring train punctuality and enhancing the safety of women passengers.

According to railway officials, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) carried out extensive operations across various sections of the East Central Railway zone under “Operation Samay Palan” and “Operation Mahila Suraksha” between May 1 and May 31, 2026. The drives targeted unauthorized chain pulling and the illegal occupation of women’s coaches by male passengers.

Under Operation Samay Palan, the RPF maintained strict surveillance on passengers who stopped trains by pulling emergency alarm chains without any valid reason. Railway authorities stated that such incidents not only disrupt train schedules but also inconvenience thousands of passengers and affect overall operational efficiency.

During the month-long campaign, 1,175 people were detained for unauthorized chain pulling across different railway divisions of the East Central Railway. Authorities recovered a total fine of ₹5.02 lakh from the offenders. Action was taken under Section 141 of the Railways Act, which deals with misuse of emergency alarm chains.

The highest number of offenders was recorded in the Danapur Division, where 602 individuals were caught. This was followed by Samastipur Division with 239 cases, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Division with 147 cases, Sonpur Division with 100 cases, and Dhanbad Division with 87 cases.

Railway officials emphasized that emergency alarm chains are meant to be used only in genuine emergencies. Misuse of this facility causes avoidable delays, disrupts train operations, and can compromise safety. The ongoing campaign aims to discourage such practices and ensure better adherence to railway rules.

In a parallel initiative, the RPF also conducted Operation Mahila Suraksha, a special drive focused on protecting women passengers and ensuring that coaches reserved for women remain safe and accessible.

During the campaign, 3,061 male passengers were detained for traveling in women’s coaches in violation of railway regulations. The offenders were booked under Section 162 of the Railways Act, and fines totaling ₹8.79 lakh were collected during the month.

The Danapur Division again reported the highest number of violations, with 1,442 male passengers found traveling in women’s coaches. The Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Division recorded 865 cases, followed by Dhanbad Division with 333 cases, Samastipur Division with 290 cases, and Sonpur Division with 131 cases.

Railway authorities noted that women’s coaches are reserved to provide a secure and comfortable travel environment for female passengers. Unauthorized entry by male passengers not only violates railway rules but also raises concerns about passenger safety and convenience. Regular inspections and surprise checks are therefore being conducted by RPF personnel across stations and trains.

The combined enforcement efforts under the two operations resulted in the detention of 4,236 offenders and the collection of more than ₹13.81 lakh in penalties during May alone. Railway officials said the campaigns will continue in the coming months as part of the East Central Railway’s broader commitment to improving passenger safety, maintaining discipline, and ensuring punctual train operations.

The East Central Railway has appealed to passengers to follow railway regulations, avoid unnecessary chain pulling, and respect reserved facilities such as women’s coaches. Officials warned that strict action will continue against violators to ensure a safer and more efficient railway network for all travelers.