Stop garbage burning near railway tracks: Sealdah Division urges people

Amidst the threats posed fire hazards due to improper disposal and burning of waste near railway tracks, the Sealdah Division of Eastern Railway has appealed to the general public as well as commuters to refrain from any activities that can cause fire along the railway lines.

“Sealdah Division emphasizes that even a small act of negligence can lead to catastrophic consequences for public safety and rail operations. We specifically urge citizens to refrain from throwing dry leaves, plastic waste, and flammable items such as lit cigarette butts onto or near the tracks, as these materials can ignite rapidly and lead to uncontrollable fires,” a press statement by Eastern Railway said.

The authorities of the Sealdah Division pointed out that setting fire to dumped garbage or waste piles near the railway line is strictly discouraged, as the intense heat and smoke from ground fires pose a severe threat to high-tension (OHE) wires and sensitive signalling equipment. 

“Such incidents often cause electrical tripping, cable damage, and significant disruptions in train movements, resulting in property loss and risks to human life, safety of passengers and uninterrupted movement of trains remain the top priorities of the division,” the Sealdah Division added.

Of late Sealdah Division has witnessed fires that were caused by negligent behaviour along the tracks. The officials of the division that operates hundreds of trains and lakhs of passengers are concerned that such fires may affect the movement of train services. Another challenge posed by the Sealdah Division, which operates both suburban and long distance trains in encroachment of land along the railway lines.