Bhubaneswar, Oct 24 – The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has initiated a campaign to warn individuals, particularly youth and social media users, about the dangers of taking selfies, shooting videos, or creating reels on or near railway tracks, as well as on the footboard or rooftop of moving trains, according to an official statement.

Railway authorities emphasized that these reckless behaviors pose significant risks to life and are punishable offenses under the Railways Act, 1989. This renewed warning follows the tragic incident involving a 15-year-old boy in Puri, who lost his life after being struck by a train while attempting to record a video near the tracks.

In its statement released on Thursday, ECoR highlighted that railway tracks, station areas, and moving trains are high-risk operational zones, not suitable for entertainment content. Trespassing or performing stunts in these areas is deemed a serious danger to life and constitutes criminal negligence.

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Government Railway Police (GRP) have been instructed to implement a ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards offenders. ECoR stated, “Legal action will be swift and severe. Anyone caught taking photos or videos near moving trains or trespassing on tracks will face strict legal repercussions. Violators will be prosecuted under Sections 147 and 153 of the Railways Act, 1989, which may result in imprisonment and fines.”

ECoR urged all citizens, especially students and teenagers, to adhere to safety guidelines, stressing that life is more valuable than a social media post. The authorities advised against dangerous stunts such as leaning out of moving trains, riding on footboards, or climbing onto rooftops or engines for video filming, as these actions can lead to fatal encounters with high-voltage overhead electric (OHE) lines.

Additionally, railway officials called on parents and teachers to educate youth about the real dangers and severe legal consequences associated with seeking social media fame through risky railway stunts.

To prevent further incidents, ECoR is ramping up its awareness campaign through public announcements, digital media messages, and increased physical patrolling, as stated by a railway officer.

On Tuesday evening, a 15-year-old boy named Biswajit Sahu from the Manglaghat area in Puri town tragically died after being hit by a train while trying to capture a video with a moving train in the background. Earlier in July, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) had registered a case against two boys for performing and filming a dangerous stunt on railway tracks in Odisha’s Boudh district, which they subsequently uploaded to social media.