An extensive Fire safety awareness drive has been launched over South Western Railway last month covering Hubballi, Mysuru, and Bengaluru divisions.
As part of the drive, SWR has taken initiatives to educate all the stakeholders – Rail users and Railway/ Non-railway employees working at stations and in trains about precautions to be taken to avoid fire incidents like enforcing “No Smoking”, preventing “Carriage of Inflammable Materials” as per provisions of the Railway Act.
During the campaign, personnel-related to railway operations and also the public have been trained in the use of fire extinguishers. This training is being given practically and also through audio/video. Apart from the Railway staff, this training is also being imparted to employees posted at the stations.
Due to the extensive efforts of the Safety Department of South Western Railway headed by Shri Alok Tiwari, Principal Chief Safety Officer, the following activities were taken up in the drive.
- 131 stations & 35 trains were covered in the drive.
- Over 10,000 staff were counseled i.e., more than 25 % of Railway staff.
- Over 17,000 passengers were counselled.
- Demonstration of Fire Extinguishers was done covering 2,300 Passengers.
- 42 Seminars were held. Over 21,000 SMSs sent. Over 14,000 Pamphlets distributed.
Apart from Scouts & Guides, RPF staff, Mechanical and Commercial Staff & Civil Defence volunteers were involved in this drive. Demonstration of fire extinguishers was done covering over 7,000 staff.
The Importance of not smoking and not carrying inflammable articles has been emphasized. Operation of emergency windows of coaches was demonstrated to passengers.
Shri Sanjeev Kishore, General Manager, South Western Railway has requested the rail travelers and public to extend support in maintaining fire safety in trains and at stations.
Passengers are requested not to smoke in moving trains & railway premises. He informed that from April – November 2021, 1800 cases of smoking were fined and Rs. 3,82,600 have been collected. 5 cases of carrying inflammable articles came to light and Rs. 4,500 fine collected for the same.
Along with social media campaigning, announcements are also being made through public address systems and mass media. Video and print advertisements on fire-safety themes are also published to spread awareness.