Railways launch drive against liquor sale in trains by aboard  staff

The Railways have launched nationwide surprise checks to curb sale of liquor, gutkha and other prohibited items aboard trains. 

Amid reports that on board housekeeping staff, pantry/catering and vendors were involved in illegal provision or sale of liquor, gutkha among other prohibited items on running trains, the Railway Board has ordered an intensive drive to curb the malpractices, sources in the railways said. 

Instructions were given to senior officials to lead special teams in conducting surprise checks in trains across the network. 

Liquor bottles seized from train passengers, 15 arrested

“Such activities are strictly prohibited and constitute a serious violation of the terms and conditions of contracts operating over Indian Railways,” the Railway Board in an advisory sent to General Managers of all Zonal Railways said.

Officers drawn from the Railway Protection Force, Mechanical and Commercial departments of the railways launched the drive and checked pantry cars, linen maintenance staff and catering personnel to check illegal possession of liquor, gutkha cigarette etc., the sources said. 

Passengers’ feedback

Passengers’ feedback was also taken to assess the conduct of on board staff during train run.

“Strict action, including initiation of penal actions and termination/ blacklisting as per contractual conditions, may be taken against individuals/agencies found involved in such illegal activities,” the advisory said.

The Railway Board called for a report on the action taken from all zones within a fortnight, the sources said.

Though consumption of liquor or smoking is banned on trains and frequent checks conducted by the Government Railway Police and RPF personnel escorting the trains, there were complaints of some passengers indulging in the act, especially in long distance trains. 

“Besides the health hazard caused to other passengers by those indulging in smoking, there is also a threat to safety. Trains and railway station premises are smoke-free zones. It is a punishable offence under Section 167 of the Railways Act, 1989,” a railway official said.