The court also cautioned passengers against attempting to board or alight from moving trains, stressing that such actions pose serious risks to life
Bombay High Court. File Pic
The Bombay High Court has advised railway authorities to introduce public safety announcements on all long-distance trains, similar to those used in modern services like Vande Bharat Express, to enhance passenger awareness and prevent accidents, reported news agency PTI.
The court also cautioned passengers against attempting to board or alight from moving trains, stressing that such actions pose serious risks to life.
Court Recommends Systematic Announcements for Passenger Safety
In its ruling, a bench led by Justice Jitendra Jain observed that unlike suburban trains, long-distance trains often lack clear announcements or display boards indicating stations where they will not halt, reported PTI.
The court noted that many passengers use long-distance trains for short journeys between nearby stations, making it essential for them to be informed about halting patterns, reported PTI.
It suggested that introducing regular onboard announcements specifying upcoming stops and non-stop stations could significantly reduce confusion and accidents.
No Fault if Passengers Unaware of Non-Halting Stations
The court emphasised that when no prior information is provided about non-halting stations, passengers cannot be entirely blamed for attempting to disembark, reported PTI.
It observed that in such situations, passengers may act under confusion or urgency, especially when they realise the train will not stop at their intended destination.
However, the bench reiterated that passengers should avoid taking risks and instead wait for the next station, even if it involves paying a penalty.
Compensation Awarded in Decade-Old Injury Case
The court passed the observations while hearing a plea filed by Rohidas Kumavat, who had challenged an earlier order of the Railway Claims Tribunal denying him compensation, reported PTI.
Kumavat sustained injuries nearly a decade ago while attempting to get down from a moving train near Jalgaon station.
Overturning the tribunal’s decision, the High Court held that the incident could not be termed as a self-inflicted injury and awarded him compensation of Rs 80,000, reported PTI.
Tribunal Order Set Aside, Passenger Declared Bona Fide
The bench noted that Kumavat was a legitimate passenger who had boarded the train believing it would halt at Jalgaon, a significant railway station in Maharashtra, reported PTI.
When the train did not stop, he attempted to get down in panic, resulting in injuries to his head and legs.
The court observed that such reactions are natural and do not indicate intent to cause self-harm.
Call for Better Infrastructure and Awareness
Highlighting broader safety concerns, the court stressed that improved communication systems, including announcements and display boards, are essential for passenger safety on long-distance routes, reported PTI.
It directed railway authorities to consider implementing such systems across trains to minimise accidents caused by lack of information.
The compensation awarded to Kumavat is to be paid by railway authorities within 12 weeks, the court ordered.
(With inputs from PTI)
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