A railway administration shall provide and maintain in every train carrying passengers, such efficient means of communication between the passengers and the railway servant in charge of the train as may be approved by the Central Government:
Provided that where the railway administration is satisfied that the means of communication provided in a train are being misused, it may cause such means to be disconnected in that train for such period as it thinks fit:
Provided further that the Central Government may specify the circumstances under which a railway administration may be exempted from providing such means of communication in any train.
Simplified Explanation
Section 59 of the Railways Act, 1989, mandates that railway administrations provide and maintain efficient means of communication between passengers and the railway servant in charge of the train. This provision ensures that passengers can communicate with the train staff (e.g., conductors, station masters, or guards) in case of emergencies, complaints, or for any other assistance during their journey. The section also outlines conditions under which communication facilities may be disconnected or exemptions may apply.
Key Provisions:
- Provision of Communication Means (Sub-section 1):
- Railway administrations are required to provide and maintain effective communication systems between passengers and the railway servant in charge of the train. These communication systems must be approved by the Central Government, ensuring that they meet national safety and operational standards.
- Such systems could include emergency intercoms, public announcement systems, or other means of communication that allow passengers to directly contact the train staff for assistance.
- Misuse of Communication Means (Sub-section 2):
- If the railway administration determines that the communication means in a particular train are being misused, it has the authority to disconnect these systems for a specified period.
- Misuse could include instances where passengers use the communication system inappropriately (e.g., for non-emergency purposes or causing unnecessary disruptions).
- The disconnection is at the discretion of the railway administration and is intended to ensure that the system is used properly for genuine needs and emergencies.
- Exemption from Providing Communication Means (Sub-section 3):
- The Central Government may set specific circumstances under which a railway administration is exempt from providing such communication means in a train.
- These exemptions might apply to certain types of trains or situations where it is deemed impractical or unnecessary to provide communication facilities (e.g., in very low-traffic trains or in certain rural areas).
Application and Context:
- Passenger Safety and Assistance: The main aim of this section is to ensure the safety and convenience of passengers by providing a reliable way to communicate with the train staff. Passengers can report emergencies, request help, or raise concerns regarding their journey. This is particularly important in situations of medical emergencies, safety concerns, or train delays.
- Prevention of Misuse: While communication systems are essential for safety, their misuse could disrupt train operations or waste resources. The provision that allows for disconnection of communication facilities ensures that these systems are used properly and not for frivolous or malicious purposes.
- Exemptions and Practicality: The possibility of exemptions acknowledges that in certain cases, providing such communication systems may not be practical or necessary. For example, very short-distance or specialized trains may not need such systems, and the government can make provisions accordingly.
Practical Examples:
- Example 1: On a long-distance train, passengers can use the communication system to report a medical emergency or request assistance from the train guard. The system might include emergency buttons in compartments or a call system through the train’s internal network.
- Example 2: A train with an emergency communication system could allow passengers to alert the railway staff if they notice something suspicious or if they are feeling unsafe, especially in the night hours.
- Example 3: In a specific train, if passengers are continuously misusing the communication system (e.g., making unnecessary requests or non-emergency calls), the railway administration may choose to disconnect the system temporarily to prevent disruption.
- Example 4: In rural or low-traffic areas where train journeys are short, the railway administration might be exempted from providing communication systems, as per the conditions set by the Central Government.
Conclusion:
Section 59 of the Railways Act, 1989, ensures that passengers have a means to communicate with railway staff in case of emergencies or for assistance, promoting safety and convenience. The provision balances this with safeguards against misuse and provides flexibility for exemptions under certain circumstances. By making communication systems mandatory and regulating their use, this section aims to enhance passenger experience while maintaining order and security during train journeys.
