Measures being undertaken by SCR to prevent incidents of fire in Trains
An analysis of the train accidents on SCR in the last 6 years shows that passenger casualties occurred in only 2 cases of fire accidents - one in August 2008 in Gouthami Express near Kesamudram station and the other one in July 2012 in Tamil Nadu Express near Nellore station.
Though the number of fire accidents constituted only 6% of the total accidents in the last 6 years, they contributed to 100% of passenger casualties on SCR. Keeping in view the adverse potential of a fire incident in train for causing damage to life and property, high priority is accorded to identify the contributory factors and take suitable remedial measures to prevent such occurrences.
Commissioner of Railway Safety had carried out an inquiry into the last such incident of fire in Train No.12622, New Delhi - Chennai Tamil Nadu Express in July 2012 near Nellore station, in which 30 passengers were killed. The cause was found to be due to accidental igniting of fire crackers being carried by unidentified person in the S-11 coach of the train. An unidentified person who either carried or left the baggage containing fire cracker material in S-11 coach was found to be responsible for this tragic incident. Even in the earlier case of fire in Gouthami Express in 2008, the presence of inflammable material in S-10 coach was found to be the reason and some unidentified person / persons who carried these materials were found to be responsible.
In the light of the above, carrying inflammable articles in trains by passengers is a matter of serious concern for Railways. Intensive Safety Drives are being conducted from time to time to prevent carriage of such dangerous material in trains. RPF / GRP / Commercial Officials are regularly checking the luggage of passengers to avoid any scope for carrying inflammable articles like fire crackers, gas cylinders, stoves, kerosene / diesel / petrol and gunpowder etc in trains. During the year 2012-13, 452 such checks were carried out and prosecution launched in 37 cases against the offenders. SCR continues these checks and during April and May 2013, 27 such checks were conducted and 6 cases booked. As per Railways Act, carrying of Inflammable articles in trains is punishable with imprisonment up to 3 years / fine up to Rs. 1000/- besides being made liable for the loss /damage cost.
Checks are also being carried out in the pantry cars for safe gas cooking arrangements and in the parcel offices against keeping fuel in motor cycles etc. In the recent safety drive conducted in April-May 2013, 68 pantry cars were checked and defective equipments wherever found were rectified.
Publicity campaigns are also being conducted through various Media like newspapers, radio jingles, TV spots, CCTVs, posters and stickers in railway premises etc. to spread awareness amongst the passengers on this subject. SCR requests the Public to note the dangers posed to the passenger safety in carrying inflammable material in trains and not only desist from such acts but also deter others from doing so. In case any passenger notices the presence of any dangerous goods in Railway premises, they should immediately bring it to the notice of the nearest Railway staff or call on 040-27833366
In addition to the above, SCR has been taking other remedial measures also to prevent occurrence of fire in trains. These include use of fire retardant material in coaches; ensuring that the fuel systems / electrical gears in locos / coaches are in proper working order; and keeping fire extinguishers in all AC coaches, pantry cars, brake vans, locos and stations and frequent inspections and counseling of staff etc.
An analysis of the train accidents on SCR in the last 6 years shows that passenger casualties occurred in only 2 cases of fire accidents - one in August 2008 in Gouthami Express near Kesamudram station and the other one in July 2012 in Tamil Nadu Express near Nellore station.
Though the number of fire accidents constituted only 6% of the total accidents in the last 6 years, they contributed to 100% of passenger casualties on SCR. Keeping in view the adverse potential of a fire incident in train for causing damage to life and property, high priority is accorded to identify the contributory factors and take suitable remedial measures to prevent such occurrences.
Commissioner of Railway Safety had carried out an inquiry into the last such incident of fire in Train No.12622, New Delhi - Chennai Tamil Nadu Express in July 2012 near Nellore station, in which 30 passengers were killed. The cause was found to be due to accidental igniting of fire crackers being carried by unidentified person in the S-11 coach of the train. An unidentified person who either carried or left the baggage containing fire cracker material in S-11 coach was found to be responsible for this tragic incident. Even in the earlier case of fire in Gouthami Express in 2008, the presence of inflammable material in S-10 coach was found to be the reason and some unidentified person / persons who carried these materials were found to be responsible.
In the light of the above, carrying inflammable articles in trains by passengers is a matter of serious concern for Railways. Intensive Safety Drives are being conducted from time to time to prevent carriage of such dangerous material in trains. RPF / GRP / Commercial Officials are regularly checking the luggage of passengers to avoid any scope for carrying inflammable articles like fire crackers, gas cylinders, stoves, kerosene / diesel / petrol and gunpowder etc in trains. During the year 2012-13, 452 such checks were carried out and prosecution launched in 37 cases against the offenders. SCR continues these checks and during April and May 2013, 27 such checks were conducted and 6 cases booked. As per Railways Act, carrying of Inflammable articles in trains is punishable with imprisonment up to 3 years / fine up to Rs. 1000/- besides being made liable for the loss /damage cost.
Checks are also being carried out in the pantry cars for safe gas cooking arrangements and in the parcel offices against keeping fuel in motor cycles etc. In the recent safety drive conducted in April-May 2013, 68 pantry cars were checked and defective equipments wherever found were rectified.
Publicity campaigns are also being conducted through various Media like newspapers, radio jingles, TV spots, CCTVs, posters and stickers in railway premises etc. to spread awareness amongst the passengers on this subject. SCR requests the Public to note the dangers posed to the passenger safety in carrying inflammable material in trains and not only desist from such acts but also deter others from doing so. In case any passenger notices the presence of any dangerous goods in Railway premises, they should immediately bring it to the notice of the nearest Railway staff or call on 040-27833366
In addition to the above, SCR has been taking other remedial measures also to prevent occurrence of fire in trains. These include use of fire retardant material in coaches; ensuring that the fuel systems / electrical gears in locos / coaches are in proper working order; and keeping fire extinguishers in all AC coaches, pantry cars, brake vans, locos and stations and frequent inspections and counseling of staff etc.
