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The Bombay High Court has directed Indian Railways to implement clear safety announcements on all long-distance trains, warning passengers about stops and non-stops along the route. The move comes after a passenger was injured while attempting to alight from a moving train, with the court awarding INR 80,000 compensation. The bench emphasized that unlike suburban trains, most long-distance services lack clear information for travellers, which increases the risk of accidents. It recommended adopting a system similar to Vande Bharat Express trains to improve safety awareness and reduce boarding-related mishaps.
The Bombay High Court has urged Indian Railways to make safety announcements on all long-distance trains to clearly inform passengers about where trains will stop and where they will not. The bench, led by Justice Jitendra Jain, highlighted that this step could prevent injuries and accidents, especially for passengers attempting to board or alight from moving trains. Advertisement
The court was hearing an appeal involving a man who fell from a running train near Jalgaon while expecting it to halt there. The passenger, who had travelled on the Guwahati Express, sustained injuries and had initially approached the Railway Claims Tribunal for compensation. The tribunal had dismissed his claim, stating the injury was self-inflicted. However, the High Court noted that passengers can reasonably expect trains to stop at major stations, particularly when there is no prior announcement or display board indicating otherwise.
In its judgment, the court ordered the railway authorities to pay INR 80,000 to the injured passenger, underscoring the need for better communication to passengers during long-distance travel. Unlike suburban trains, which provide detailed announcements and visual indicators of stops, long-distance trains rarely offer such guidance. The bench emphasized that this lack of information contributes to dangerous behaviour among travellers.
The court recommended implementing public announcement systems similar to those used on Vande Bharat Express trains, which inform passengers in advance about upcoming stops and skipped stations. It also reminded passengers to wait until the train comes to a complete halt before attempting to board or alight, while stressing that effective safety communication by the railways is essential to reduce accidents.
The ruling reflects ongoing concerns about passenger safety across India's rail network. Clear, timely announcements can significantly reduce confusion, prevent accidental injuries, and help passengers plan their movements safely while travelling long distances. The court's suggestion aims to bridge the communication gap in long-distance services and enhance overall safety on Indian trains.
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