Section 60: Power to make rules in respect of matters in this Chapter

(1) The Central Government may, by notification, make rules to carry out the purposes of this Chapter.

(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:–

(a) the convenience and accommodation (including the reservation of seats or berths in trains) to passengers;

(b) the amount of refund for the cancellation of a ticket;

(c) the circumstances under which change of names of passengers, having reserved seats or berths, may be permitted;

(d) the carriage of luggage and the conditions subject to which luggage may be kept in the cloak rooms at the stations;

(e) diseases which are infectious or contagious;

(f) the conditions subject to which a railway administration may carry passengers suffering from infectious or contagious diseases and the manner in which carriages used by such passengers may be disinfected;

(g) generally, for regulating the travelling upon, and the use, working and management of the railways.

(3) Any rule made under this section may provide that a contravention thereof shall be punishable with fine which shall not exceed five hundred rupees.

(4) Every railway administration shall keep at every station on its railway a copy of all the rules made under this section and shall also allow any person to inspect it free of charge.

Simplified Explanation

Section 60 of the Railways Act, 1989, empowers the Central Government to make rules for implementing the provisions of the Chapter in which this section appears. These rules are designed to regulate various aspects of railway operations, passenger convenience, and safety. The section also outlines the potential penalties for contravening these rules and mandates the availability of these rules for public inspection at railway stations.

Key Provisions:

1. Power to Make Rules (Sub-section 1):
   • The Central Government has the authority to issue notifications to make rules necessary to carry out the objectives of the Chapter. These rules will provide more detailed guidelines for specific aspects of railway operations and passenger services.
2. Specific Areas for Rulemaking (Sub-section 2):
   • The rules made by the Central Government may cover various matters related to the functioning of the railways. In particular, the rules may address the following:
     • Passenger Convenience and Accommodation: This includes regulating reservations for seats or berths in trains and ensuring passengers have comfortable travel accommodations.
     • Ticket Refunds: The rules will define the process and the amount of refund a passenger is entitled to in case of ticket cancellation.
     • Change of Names on Tickets: Rules may specify the conditions under which the name of a passenger can be changed on a reserved seat or berth.
     • Carriage of Luggage: The rules will regulate how luggage is carried on the train and the conditions under which luggage can be stored in station cloakrooms.
     • Infectious or Contagious Diseases: The rules will identify diseases that are considered infectious or contagious, and specify the conditions under which passengers suffering from such diseases may be carried on the train.
     • Regulation of Railway Operations: The rules may cover general provisions for the smooth operation, management, and use of the railway system.
3. Penalties for Contravention of Rules (Sub-section 3):
   • Any violation of the rules made under this section may result in a fine. The maximum fine that can be imposed for a contravention is five hundred rupees. This serves as a deterrent against non-compliance with the rules.
4. Public Access to Rules (Sub-section 4):
   • Every railway administration is required to keep a copy of all the rules made under this section at every railway station.
   • The rules must be made available for public inspection, free of charge. This ensures transparency and provides passengers and other stakeholders with the opportunity to understand the regulations governing railway travel and operations.

Application and Context:

• Comprehensive Regulation: This section allows the Central Government to establish rules that address a wide range of practical issues faced by both passengers and railway administrations, from ticketing procedures to health and safety measures. These rules serve to ensure that railways operate in an organized and passenger-friendly manner.
• Transparency and Public Access: The requirement to make these rules available for inspection at railway stations ensures transparency. Passengers can access the rules whenever needed, which is essential for maintaining trust and compliance with railway regulations.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance: The provision of fines for violations helps enforce the rules and ensures that passengers and railway staff adhere to the guidelines established under this section.

Practical Examples:

• Example 1: If a passenger wishes to change the name on a reserved ticket, they can refer to the rules displayed at the station to understand under what circumstances this is permitted (e.g., emergency situations or name spelling errors).
• Example 2: A passenger who needs to cancel their ticket can refer to the rules to determine the amount of refund they are eligible for, based on how early they cancel their reservation.
• Example 3: If a passenger travels in a train while suffering from an infectious disease, the rules will specify the conditions under which they can be allowed to travel (e.g., if they have received permission from a railway servant or if special arrangements are made).
• Example 4: If a passenger leaves their luggage in a station cloakroom, the rules will outline the conditions for storage, including any charges or time limits for keeping luggage.

Conclusion:

Section 60 of the Railways Act, 1989, empowers the Central Government to create rules that regulate various aspects of railway services, from passenger accommodation and ticket refunds to the management of luggage and health-related travel conditions. It also ensures that these rules are publicly accessible at railway stations, promoting transparency and accountability. The section plays a key role in ensuring the smooth operation and management of the railway system, while also protecting passenger rights and safety.