Warning bell system launched at Prayagraj Junction to prevent boarding accidents

Prayagraj: In a move aimed at improving passenger safety, the Prayagraj division of North Central Railway (NCR) has introduced a warning bell system to alert passengers moments before a train departs from the platform. The initiative, launched at Prayagraj Junction, seeks to reduce accidents caused by panic boarding and last‑minute attempts to enter moving trains. Under the system, a distinct warning bell — similar to temple bells — will ring shortly before the scheduled departure of a train. Officials said the alert is intended particularly for passengers who briefly step down from their coaches to buy water, tea or food and may be unaware that the train is about to move. Once the bell stops ringing, the train will depart. Public Relations Officer Amit Singh said the initiative is expected to act as a “lifeline” by giving passengers adequate time to safely return to their coaches. Railway officials believe the audible warning will help discourage attempts to board moving trains, a major cause of injuries and fatalities at stations. The system is also expected to reduce instances of unnecessary chain pulling, often triggered when passengers miss boarding due to sudden train movement. Railway authorities said the measure would promote discipline on platforms and make train travel safer and more orderly. Meanwhile, the railways are also preparing for a nationwide coach‑counting campaign scheduled for May 12. Ahead of this exercise, NCR conducted a large‑scale mock drill in Prayagraj to test digital verification and identification systems. Chief public relations officer Shashikant Tripathi said around 1,200 coaches were digitally matched during the rehearsal. The nationwide drive will document detailed information on each coach across 32 parameters, including manufacturing date, condition and maintenance needs, to improve transparency and infrastructure management.