1,186 Cases Booked as RPF Cracks Down on Smoking in Trains
Railway authorities said stringent action is being taken under Sections 164 and 167 of the Railways Act against violators
VIJAYAWADA: The Railway Protection Force (RPF), Vijayawada Division, has intensified its crackdown on smoking and the carrying of inflammable materials in trains and railway premises, registering 1,186 cases so far this year as part of an aggressive drive to prevent fire accidents and improve passenger safety.
Officials said all offenders booked till May 21, 2026, had been apprehended. So far, 187 convictions have been secured and fines totalling `18,900 collected, while the remaining cases are under process. Railway authorities said the large number of violations reflected the continuing misuse of railway premises despite repeated warnings and awareness campaigns.
Passengers continue to smoke and carry hazardous substances in AC coaches, sleeper compartments, general coaches, toilets, vestibules, platforms and other railway areas, significantly increasing the risk of fire accidents, officials said.
Railway authorities said stringent action is being taken under Sections 164 and 167 of the Railways Act against violators. Smoking in trains and railway premises is punishable under Section 167, while carrying inflammable materials attracts punishment under Section 164 of the Act.
In a recent incident on May 21, RPF personnel detected a passenger, identified as Galam Dhanalakshmi (40), a resident of Chandrajupalem village in Guntur district, carrying a 15.4-kg gas cylinder on a train. Railway officials said she admitted to the offence after being informed that transporting inflammable items by train is prohibited. The gas cylinder was seized and a case registered at the Chirala RPF post under Crime No. 772/2026.
Railway authorities also referred to a major fire incident reported on January 9 this year in Coach B-5 of Train No. 17479 at Tuni, allegedly triggered by smoking. Mohammad Akbar Alam (31), working as a bedroll attendant, was arrested in connection with the case under GRP Tuni Crime No. 05/2026.
According to official figures, the Vijayawada Division registered 403 smoking-related cases during 2025, of which 330 resulted in convictions, leading to the recovery of fines amounting to ₹32,900.
The RPF appealed to passengers to immediately alert railway staff or RPF personnel if any such violations are noticed and cooperate in ensuring safe and fire-free travel for all.
