In a bid to curb a rising tide of dangerous social media trends, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has initiated a rigorous awareness campaign targeting the public, particularly young people and social media users.
The railway authority has emphasised that capturing selfies, videos, or “Reels” on or near railway tracks, as well as on the footboards or rooftops of moving trains, is not only extremely hazardous but also a serious criminal offence under the Railways Act, 1989.
This initiative addresses a concerning pattern where individuals endanger themselves and disrupt railway operations in their quest for online popularity, frequently resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. ECoR has made it clear that railway tracks, station areas, and operating trains are critical zones meant for transportation, not for recreational filming or stunts. Trespassing or engaging in such activities poses an immediate threat to personal safety and constitutes criminal negligence.
To enforce compliance, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) have been instructed to implement a zero-tolerance approach. Violators caught photographing or filming near active trains or on restricted tracks will face immediate and stringent legal repercussions. Prosecution will be pursued under Sections 147 and 153 of the Railways Act, 1989, which carry penalties including imprisonment and fines.
No Likes Worth a Life
ECoR is calling on all citizens, with a special focus on students and teenagers, to adhere to essential safety protocols, reminding them that no social media post is worth risking a life. The public is strongly advised against entering railway tracks for any purpose, including photography, as trains approach and travel at speeds that can deceive the eye.
Dangerous behaviours such as leaning out of moving trains, riding on footboards, or scaling rooftops or engines for videos are prohibited, given the risk of electrocution from high-voltage Overhead Electric (OHE) lines. Maintaining a safe distance from platform edges during train arrivals or departures is crucial, and attempting to board or alight from a running train is also a punishable act. Parents and educators are encouraged to educate young people about these perils and the harsh legal outcomes of pursuing viral fame through railway-related risks.
To amplify its message, ECoR is ramping up efforts via public announcements, social media outreach, and increased patrols to avert future tragedies. The railway stresses that safety must always take precedence over social media thrills.
