Title - Call 9004414444, 900444188 to report inflammables on train

Now, you can report inflammable material, such as crackers, kerosene, spirits, paints, LPG cylinders and match-boxes, on trains.To prevent fires, Central and Western Railway have introduced helpline numbers 9004414444 and 900444188.The move comes after railway board chairman Vinay Mittal issued instructions to the effect to all zones recently.Sharat Chandrayan, chief of public relations, Western Railway, said, “If a person finds a co-passenger carrying inflammable material, s/he can call or sms to 900444188. Such dangerous material will be removed from trains and strict action will be taken against persons carrying it.’’V Malegaonkar, Central Railway CPRO, said: “Special numbers are for information regarding fire hazards. This helpline will be functional 24/7.”In June 2008, after a spate of cylinder blasts, Central Railway had announced an award of Rs 1,000 to those giving information about persons carrying explosives on trains.Central and Western Railway have started a campaign to educate people about the dangers of carrying inflammables on trains. Under the campaign, the helpline numbers are being publicised through posters on railway premises, stickers in trains, FM radio and ads in the print media. Announcements are also being made at stations in local languages.

It’s an offence

Carrying inflammable material, including compressed gas cylinders, on trains is an offence under IPC sections 286 and 336, sections 154, 164 of Indian Railways Act and section 5 read with section 9B of Explosives Act and is punishable with imprisonment up to 3 years, besides fine.