Mumbai: Don’t hurl balloons on trains during Holi, Railways appeal

Apart from water and colours, some people use balloons filled with trash and grease. File pic

A seemingly harmless colour-filled balloon can trigger disastrous consequences. This is the message the railways is trying to disseminate ahead of Holi, apart from tightening vigil across the suburban network.

During the festival of colours, some people throw water balloons at moving trains. Depending on the impact and the content of the balloons, it can cause damage to eyes. One may get startled and even fall off a moving train.

"We have deployed additional forces onboard trains and in lades compartments to keep miscreants at bay. Notorious balloon throwing spots along railway lines are also being visited and people there counselled against doing so," said a senior Central Railway official.

On CR, stretches along Sewri, Govandi, Mankhurd, on harbour line, Rabale, Ghansoli, Kopar Khairane and Turbhe on the trans-harbour line and Kurla and Parsik tunnel along the main line have been known for such mischiefs. "We also warned the people of stringent action against those caught throwing water balloons or anything else at moving trains," the official said.

On WR, the Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Police will keep an eye at stretches between Bandra, Andheri, Borivali, Khar, Bhayander. The police will also keep tabs on people assembling near tracks with water balloons or other liquids packed in plastic.

Two years ago, WR had done a study on Holi-related incidents. The biggest concern was about commuters falling off trains after being hit
by balloons.

It was also found miscreants hurl trash, eggs or even grease packets on moving trains. Officials said those indulging in throwing balloons or pelting stones are liable to punishment under section 154 of the Railway Act for endangering the safety of travellers.