Ahead Of Diwali, Indian Railways Urges Passengers To Avoid Carrying These 6 Items On Trains

Planning to travel by train this Diwali? You'll be joining thousands of others travelling across the country to celebrate with family and friends. But before you pack your bags, there's an important travel update from Indian Railways. To keep everyone safe during the busy festive season, the Railways has issued a new advisory asking passengers not to carry certain items on board. The aim is to prevent accidents and make sure the festive rush doesn't lead to any mishaps. With trains expected to run at full capacity this Diwali, following these simple safety rules can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey. Here's a quick guide to what you should avoid carrying and how to travel safely this season.

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What You Shouldn't Bring On Trains This Diwali

As the festive fervour mounts across India, millions of travellers are bracing for long journeys home by rail. With Diwali and other celebrations approaching, Indian Railways has rolled out enhanced safety measures to ensure that the train ride remains secure, smooth and free of unpleasant surprises.

According to the official advisory, passengers must avoid carrying the following six items aboard any train:

1. Firecrackers
2. Kerosene oil
3. Gas cylinders
4. Stove(s)
5. Matchboxes
6. Cigarettes

The reason is straightforward: many of these are flammable or combustible. In the tight quarters of a train, where ventilation may be limited and surfaces are often metal or plastic, the risk from even a small spark is magnified.

Festivals like Diwali and Chhath bring a surge in rail travel. Stations bustle with crowds, platforms teem with families and luggage, and every compartment feels tighter than usual. In preparation, several major stations, including New Delhi, Bandra Terminus, Udhna, and Surat, have also constructed permanent holding areas to help manage passenger flow and reduce overcrowding at platforms.

Safety Tips From The Indian Railways

The railway authorities are also urging passengers to remain vigilant and follow good safety practices:

• Report any suspicious items or behaviour. Should you spot firecrackers, inflammables, or anything odd in trains or at stations, contact RPF/GRP or railway staff immediately.
• Keep valuables close and in sight. Don't stow everything deep in lower racks, especially in crowded cars.
• Travel light where possible. Avoid overpacking; excess baggage complicates movement and may block aisles.
• Use digital payments. Limit carrying cash (and hence risk of theft) by opting for UPI, cards, or mobile payments.
• Guard children and vulnerable travellers. Always accompany minors or elderly co-passengers and keep them within your line of sight.
• Obey announcements & staff instructions. They're often made for safety, crowd control, or emergency information.

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How To Plan Smart: Tips For Festive Train Travel

• Audit your luggage a day before departure. Make sure none of those six banned items find their way into your bags amidst festive haste.
• Arrange for fuel or cooking gear at your destination rather than carrying them along.
• Arrive early. Use the holding areas at big stations to let ticketing and security formalities settle before boarding.
• Stay alert in transit. If you detect a pungent smell (suggesting fuel or gas) or smoke, alert staff immediately.

So, as you plan your train journeys for Diwali or Chhath, remember that a packet of firecrackers or a small gas stove may seem harmless to you, but in a moving train, the stakes are very high. Don't be foolhardy. Travel safely!