Emergency Chain Pulling: How it Works and Why Misuse is a Serious Offence

• Emergency chains in train bogies allow passengers to stop the train during emergencies like medical needs or fire.
• Pulling the chain opens a valve in the brake air pipe, releasing air and causing the train to slow down, alerting the loco pilot.
• Misuse of the alarm chain (ACP) for non-emergencies is a major cause of train delays across India, affecting punctuality.
• Perpetrators of illegal chain pulling can face up to one year imprisonment, a Rs 1,000 fine, or both under Indian Railways Act, section 141.
• Southern Railway recorded 2,632 cases of illegal ACP in 2023-2024, collecting over Rs 15 lakh in fines.

Why It Matters: Emergency chain pulling is vital for safety but its misuse causes significant delays and carries severe penalties.