A drunk youth sparked panic in Bhubaneswar when he stood on the railway tracks and forced a train to halt near Rajmahal Square.
Consequently, the incident disrupted rail traffic and alarmed passengers on board.
Eyewitnesses explained that the youth, a resident of Phalikia slum, suddenly entered the tracks in an intoxicated state. As a result, he stood directly in front of the approaching train. The driver reacted quickly and applied emergency brakes, thereby narrowly avoiding a major accident but putting railway safety at serious risk.
Soon after, Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) teams rushed to the spot. They immediately overpowered the youth and arrested him. Authorities later confirmed that they registered a case against him under the railway law.
Meanwhile, railway officials emphasised that entering tracks under the influence of alcohol is a grave offence. They pointed out that such reckless acts endanger not only the individual’s life but also the safety of hundreds of passengers. Furthermore, officials revealed that similar incidents have occurred across Odisha, which prompted the railway department to continue awareness campaigns on safety.
In addition, local residents demanded stricter security measures near busy crossings. They also urged authorities to take firm steps to curb public intoxication.
