Eastern Railway has appealed to the public to refrain from disrupting train services or damaging railway property, warning that stringent legal action will be taken against offenders under the amended provisions of the Railways Act, 1989, introduced through the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026.
Highlighting the importance of uninterrupted rail services, Eastern Railway said the railway network serves millions of passengers every day and that any disruption affects not only train operations but also the lives and livelihoods of countless people, including commuters, workers, students and patients awaiting essential services.
General Manager Milind Deouskar said the railways belong to the people and urged the public to protect this shared national asset. He stressed that those indulging in “Rail Roko” agitations, vandalism or any activity that compromises passenger safety and convenience would face strict legal consequences.
Eastern Railway said the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026, which has been notified after receiving Presidential assent, has introduced stricter penalties under several provisions of the Railways Act to curb activities that disrupt railway operations and passenger services.
Under the amended Section 145, any person found intoxicated, creating a nuisance, using abusive or obscene language, or interfering with passenger amenities within trains or railway premises is liable to a fine of ₹1,000. If such behaviour continues despite a warning, the offender may face imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both.
The railway also highlighted amendments to Section 146, which strengthen penalties for obstructing railway employees in the discharge of their official duties. Under Section 155, fines for violating railway rules have been revised to ₹2,000 under sub-section (1) and ₹1,000 under sub-section (2), with courts empowered to impose an additional fine of up to ₹3,000 in case of non-payment.
Similarly, Section 159 provides for a fine of ₹500 for drivers or conductors who disobey lawful directions of railway officials or police personnel within railway premises or obstruct traffic. Continued non-compliance may attract imprisonment or additional penalties as provided under the law.
Eastern Railway reiterated that it remains open to dialogue and encouraged members of the public to raise grievances or demands through established legal and administrative channels instead of resorting to protests that disrupt rail services.
Chief Public Relations Officer Shibram Majhi appealed to citizens to safeguard railway property and avoid actions such as “Rail Roko” demonstrations, stating that such incidents inconvenience thousands of passengers and adversely affect essential railway operations. He said Eastern Railway remains committed to ensuring safe, efficient and uninterrupted services while taking firm action against violations of the law.
