Prayagraj Division Cracks Down on Unnecessary Alarm Chain Pulling, 2,833 Arrested
The Prayagraj Division of Indian Railways has intensified its crackdown on the unnecessary use of the Alarm Chain Pulling (ACP) system, arresting 2,833 people between January 1 and September 30, 2026 for allegedly pulling train alarm chains without a valid reason.
The enforcement drive is aimed at ensuring the safe, smooth and punctual operation of trains. Railway authorities have been conducting regular surveillance and taking action against passengers who misuse the emergency alarm chain facility, which is intended strictly for genuine emergencies.
According to the Prayagraj Division, unnecessary alarm chain pulling can disrupt train operations, affect punctuality and cause inconvenience to hundreds of other passengers. Such incidents can also interfere with railway operational arrangements and potentially create safety-related challenges.
The railway administration has therefore continued its special enforcement campaign across stations and Railway Protection Force (RPF) posts under the division.
2,833 People Arrested in Nine Months
A total of 2,833 persons were arrested for unnecessary alarm chain pulling during the first nine months of 2026. The monthly figures show that enforcement action remained consistently high throughout the period.
| Month | Arrests |
|---|---|
| January 2026 | 274 |
| February 2026 | 244 |
| March 2026 | 341 |
| April 2026 | 318 |
| May 2026 | 386 |
| June 2026 | 397 |
| July 2026 | 289 |
| August 2026 | 279 |
| September 2026 | 305 |
| Total | 2,833 |
The highest number of arrests during the period was recorded in June, with 397 cases, followed by May with 386 and March with 341.
The figures indicate that the railway administration has maintained a sustained enforcement campaign rather than limiting action to specific months or festive periods.
Kanpur Central Records Highest Number of Arrests
Among the RPF posts under the Prayagraj Division, Kanpur Central recorded the highest number of arrests, with 437 persons booked for unnecessary alarm chain pulling between January 1 and September 30.
It was followed by Tundla with 275 arrests, while Aligarh recorded 213 and Etawah 212. Prayagraj Junction accounted for 207 arrests during the period.
The station-wise figures are:
| RPF Post/Station | Arrests |
|---|---|
| Kanpur Central | 437 |
| Tundla | 275 |
| Aligarh | 213 |
| Etawah | 212 |
| Prayagraj Junction | 207 |
| Fatehpur | 189 |
| Naini | 180 |
| Phaphund | 170 |
| Mirzapur | 146 |
| Prayagraj Chheoki | 100 |
| Manikpur | 99 |
| Subedarganj | 96 |
| Shikohabad | 96 |
| Firozabad | 68 |
| Chunar | 66 |
| GMC | 62 |
| Hathras | 56 |
| Khurja | 55 |
| Dadri | 54 |
| Panki Dham | 32 |
| Kanpur Anwarganj | 20 |
The data shows that unnecessary ACP cases were reported across a wide network of stations within the division, with enforcement action being undertaken at major railway locations as well as smaller stations.
Alarm Chain Meant Only for Emergencies
The alarm chain system is provided on trains as an important passenger safety facility. It enables passengers to alert railway authorities and stop or slow a train when a genuine emergency requires immediate intervention.
However, using the facility without a valid emergency can unnecessarily bring a train to a halt or cause operational delays. This may affect the train’s scheduled movement and potentially have a cascading impact on other trains operating on the same route.
The railway administration has emphasized that passengers should not use the alarm chain for reasons such as missing a station, boarding or deboarding after the scheduled departure, waiting for relatives or luggage, or other non-emergency situations.
Unnecessary alarm chain pulling is punishable under the Railway Act, and railway authorities are identifying offenders through surveillance and enforcement measures.
Railway Appeals for Passenger Cooperation
The Prayagraj Division has appealed to passengers to use the alarm chain only in genuine emergency situations. Passengers are also encouraged to cooperate with railway staff and security personnel to ensure that trains operate safely and according to schedule.
The administration has stated that continuous monitoring is being carried out and that individuals found misusing the ACP facility will face action according to the applicable railway rules.
The enforcement campaign forms part of the division’s broader efforts to improve operational efficiency, passenger safety and punctuality.
With thousands of passengers travelling through the Prayagraj Division every day, even a single unnecessary stoppage can inconvenience a large number of people and disrupt the movement of other trains.
Railway authorities have therefore stressed that responsible passenger behaviour is essential for maintaining a reliable rail network. The Prayagraj Division reiterated its commitment to providing passengers with a safe, smooth and punctual rail journey, while urging travellers to use emergency facilities responsibly and only when genuinely required.
