Title - Rly commuters can also file a complaint

Railway passengers too can complain under section 145 of the Railway Act against people creating nuisance in trains. Offender can be fined up to Rs. 500 and imprisoned for six months, if found guilty.

In 2012, the Central Railway booked over 4,000 persons, of which 309 were imprisoned and rest were penalised.

“Passengers getting troubled because of any other commuter should register a complaint at the local RPF station or call on helpline number 1275 with details of the offenders, train number, timing and coach number. If there is an RPF official or ticket collector in the train, the person can complain to them also. Following this, the commuter creating nuisance can be prosecuted under the railway act,” said Alok Bohra, senior divisional security commissioner, railway police force (RPF), Central Railway (CR).

Commuters complained that the nuisance was higher in trains than in buses.

“Most of us don’t know who to approach to file a complaint. Besides, such complaints should be taken on the phone by railway police instead of asking us to come to the police station,” said Kailash Verma, a commuter activist.