Subject to the approval of the Central Government, every railway administration shall fix the maximum number of passengers which may be carried in each compartment of every description of carriage, and shall exhibit the number so fixed in a conspicuous manner inside or outside each compartment in Hindi, English and also in one or more of the regional languages commonly in use in the areas served by the railway.
Simplified Explanation
Section 57 of the Railways Act, 1989, requires railway administrations to set a limit on the maximum number of passengers that can be carried in each compartment of every type of railway carriage. This provision ensures that train carriages are not overcrowded, thus promoting passenger safety and comfort. It also mandates that the prescribed passenger limits be clearly displayed in multiple languages for better communication and awareness.
Key Provisions:
- Fixing the Maximum Number of Passengers (Sub-section 1):
- This sub-section gives railway administrations the responsibility to determine and fix the maximum number of passengers allowed in each compartment of every type of train carriage.
- The specific number of passengers allowed will depend on factors like the size and design of the carriage, seating arrangements, and safety regulations.
- The process of fixing these limits requires the approval of the Central Government, ensuring that the rules are consistent with broader national safety and operational standards.
- Exhibition of the Maximum Limit (Sub-section 2):
- Railway administrations must display the maximum number of passengers for each compartment in a conspicuous location inside or outside the compartment. This ensures that passengers are informed of the capacity limit.
- The display must be in Hindi, English, and regional languages that are commonly used in the areas served by the railway. This multilingual requirement ensures that the information is accessible to a broad audience, especially in regions with diverse linguistic communities.
- Clear communication about the maximum capacity helps prevent overcrowding and promotes the comfort and safety of passengers by informing them when a compartment has reached its capacity.
Application and Context:
- Passenger Safety and Comfort: The provision aims to prevent overcrowding in railway carriages, which can lead to safety hazards, discomfort, and even accidents. By setting a fixed maximum number of passengers per compartment, the railway authorities can better manage the number of people traveling in each carriage, ensuring that trains are not overburdened.
- Regulation and Enforcement: The approval process by the Central Government ensures that any limits set by the railway administrations are in line with national safety standards and are thoroughly regulated. This creates uniformity across the rail system, ensuring that safety measures are adhered to.
- Multilingual Display: Displaying the number of passengers in Hindi, English, and regional languages addresses the linguistic diversity in India. This approach ensures that passengers from different regions can understand the maximum capacity limit, promoting better compliance and awareness.
Practical Examples:
- Example 1: In a second-class sleeper carriage, the railway administration may determine that the maximum number of passengers is 72. This number would be clearly displayed inside the compartment in Hindi, English, and the local language (e.g., Marathi in Maharashtra, Tamil in Tamil Nadu) so passengers know when the carriage is full.
- Example 2: A train traveling through multiple states may have different regional languages spoken in the areas it passes through. To ensure all passengers are informed, the maximum passenger limit will be displayed in Hindi, English, and the relevant regional languages (e.g., Bengali in West Bengal, Telugu in Andhra Pradesh).
- Example 3: If a compartment is found to be overcrowded beyond the maximum prescribed number, railway authorities may ask passengers to disembark or find alternative accommodations to ensure the limit is not exceeded, prioritizing safety.
Conclusion:
Section 57 of the Railways Act, 1989, is an important provision designed to ensure the safe and comfortable travel of passengers by limiting overcrowding in train compartments. By mandating the display of maximum passenger numbers in multiple languages, it enhances awareness and compliance with the set limits, improving passenger safety and operational efficiency across India’s diverse railway network.
