Often people believe that train travel is completely easy and does not require any special rules. But Indian Railways also has its own safety guidelines, in which it is strictly prohibited to carry some things along in the train. One of these is coconut. Yes, carrying a common looking coconut along in the train can sometimes prove to be dangerous.
Why is coconut dangerous in train?
According to the Railways, there is pressure of oil and gas inside the coconut. When it remains in heat or sunlight for a long time, the pressure inside it increases. Due to high temperature in the train compartments, the coconut may burst and its pieces may spread all around.
Sometimes there is a risk of spark or fire when a coconut bursts. According to the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and fire safety units, there have been many minor accidents in the last few years due to the gas pressure built up inside the coconut.
What does the Indian Railway Act say?
It is clearly written in the Railways Act that no passenger can carry any substances which are inflammable, explosive or dangerous in the train. This includes petrol, kerosene, gas cylinders, firecrackers, perfumes, and some oily substances.
Coconut also falls in this category because the pressure of oil and gas inside it can react with heat.
What will be the punishment if caught?
If a passenger is found with a large quantity of coconut, he may be fined or face legal action.
Under the Railway Act, in such cases, a fine of ₹ 1,000 to ₹ 5,000 can be imposed on the passenger or in serious cases, even jail sentence.
However, Railways has clarified that keeping one or two coconuts for puja is not prohibited. But carrying dozens of coconuts on religious trips or events is considered risky.
What things are completely banned in the train?
As per the safety guidelines of Railways, it is strictly prohibited to carry the following items in the train:
petrol, diesel or kerosene
gas cylinder
firecrackers or pyrotechnic materials
perfume or nail polish remover
any type of flammable liquid
These items can not only cause fire but can also put the lives of the passengers in the entire compartment at risk.
Small carelessness can become a big accident
Railways says that objects like coconut may look normal, but in case of heat and pressure, they can cause a small explosive effect. Therefore, passengers have been appealed not to carry coconuts and other inflammable things while traveling in the train.
It is permissible to keep coconut in limited quantity for puja, but carrying it in large quantity is strictly prohibited for safety reasons.
