RPF keeps watch on footboard travel in Mettupalayam-Coimbatore MEMU train post augmentation with 12 coaches
Railway authorities in India are cracking down on footboard travel on the Mettupalayam-Coimbatore MEMU train following the addition of four new coaches. Officials are enforcing fines and monitoring compartments to ensure passenger safety and prevent unauthorized entry into women-only sections.
Why it matters
This reflects ongoing efforts to improve public transit safety and infrastructure management in high-density urban transport systems.
On the heels of augmentation of the Coimbatore-Mettupalayam-Coimbatore MEMU passenger trains with 12 coaches, from eight earlier, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police are together taking measures to prevent footboard travel.
Passengers have been warned that fine will be imposed for footboard travel, to bring about a deterrent effect.
Passengers found travelling on footboard will be penalised under Section 156 of Railway Act, that entails punishment with imprisonment up to three months or a fine of ₹500. Though promised during February, the coaches were augmented with additional coaches on August 10, in fulfilment of the long-time demand of the travelling public in Mettupalayam, Karamadai, Periyanaickenpalayam and Thudiyalur.
On behalf of the passengers, Namma Mettupalayam Social Welfare Committee had submitted several representations, drawing attention of the Railways to the predicament of passengers travelling on footboards of the overcrowded train.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in