Those taking selfies and making reels near railway tracks will be in trouble now, Railways has issued a warning, they will be punished with imprisonment.

News Topical, Digital Desk : The trend of taking selfies and making reels on railway tracks is on the rise. Many people are even losing their lives due to this. Railways will now take strict action against such people. This includes imprisonment and heavy fines. East Coast Railway (ECOR) has launched a campaign to warn against the dangerous and illegal practice of taking selfies, shooting videos or making reels on or near railway tracks, on the footboards of moving trains or on the rooftops of trains. 

15-year-old man lost his life

In an official statement, railway officials said such acts are not only life-threatening but also punishable under the Railways Act 1989. ECoR has renewed its warning two days after the death of 15-year-old Biswajit Sahu, who was hit by a train while recording a video near the tracks in Puri. 

This area is not for entertainment – ​​Railways

In a statement issued Thursday, ECoR said that train tracks, station premises, and moving trains are high-risk operational areas and not for entertainment videos. Entering these areas illegally or performing stunts poses a grave threat to life and constitutes an act of gross criminal negligence, the statement said. 

imprisonment and fine shall also be imposed

The ECoR said the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Government Railway Police (GRP) have been directed to adopt a "zero tolerance" policy against violators. Violators will be prosecuted under sections 147 and 153 of the Railways Act, 1989, and will be punished with imprisonment and fine, railway officials said. 

Railways launches awareness campaign

The statement said that people should refrain from doing the said act as it can be fatal due to contact with overhead high-voltage electric wires (OHE). A railway official said that ECoR is intensifying its awareness campaign through public announcements, digital media messages and patrolling to prevent further unfortunate incidents. In July this year, the Railway Protection Force had registered a case against two boys for filming and performing a dangerous stunt on the railway track in Odisha's Boudh district. They had uploaded the video on social media. (With inputs from Bhasha)

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