Drunk Passengers in Indian Railways: A Public Safety Risk We Ignore Daily

Recently, while traveling from Meerut to Saharanpur, I faced something disturbing. At the railway station ticket counter, a man standing behind me in the queue was clearly drunk. His behavior was irritating and uncomfortable. Inside the train, the situation felt even more unsafe.

This is not a single incident. Many passengers — especially women, elderly people, and children — feel unsafe when intoxicated individuals board trains.

This raises an important question:

Why don’t railway stations have proper entry checkpoints like metro stations to prevent such risks?



The Real Issue: Alcohol and Public Safety

Drunken behavior in public transport creates multiple dangers:

  • Verbal abuse

  • Physical misbehavior

  • Harassment of women

  • Fights between passengers

  • Panic and discomfort

  • Risk of sudden violence

When a person loses control due to alcohol, the entire compartment feels unsafe.

Public transport should be a safe zone — not a fear zone.

Why Does This Happen?

Several reasons:

1. No Entry Screening at Many Railway Stations

Unlike metro stations, most railway stations allow open access.

2. Weak Enforcement

Even if rules exist against intoxicated travel, enforcement is inconsistent.

3. Social Normalization

Many people think drinking and traveling is “normal.”

4. Lack of Awareness

Passengers often do not know where to report such behavior.



Why Metro Stations Feel Safer

Metro stations have:

  • Bag scanners

  • Security checks

  • Controlled entry gates

  • CCTV surveillance

  • Trained security personnel

These systems reduce the risk of intoxicated or dangerous individuals entering the system.

So why can’t similar structured checkpoints be gradually introduced at major railway stations?

Should Government Introduce Entry Checkpoints?

Yes — especially at:

  • High-traffic stations

  • Intercity routes

  • Night trains

  • Sensitive areas

Possible solutions:

  • Random alcohol breath checks

  • Visible RPF presence

  • Entry screening at main gates

  • Strict penalties for intoxicated travel

Even partial implementation can reduce incidents.

Who Is Responsible?

Government & Railway Authorities

  • Improve surveillance

  • Deploy more Railway Protection Force (RPF)

  • Install CCTV coverage

  • Start awareness campaigns

Society

  • Stop normalizing drunk public behavior

  • Report unsafe passengers

  • Support strict enforcement

Individuals

  • Avoid confrontation

  • Inform railway staff immediately

  • Use helpline numbers when needed

Emergency Helpline for Railways in India

Passengers can dial:

Railway Helpline: 139

Save this number. Awareness saves lives.

Why This Is a Safesphere360 Issue

Safesphere360 is about:

  • Public safety

  • Social responsibility

  • Everyday risk awareness

  • Prevention over reaction

Drunken behavior in trains is not just a “personal issue.”
It becomes a public safety threat.

Safety begins with awareness.
Awareness begins with discussion.

Conclusion: We Deserve Safe Travel

Travel should not be stressful. It should not feel unsafe because someone chooses to drink irresponsibly.

A small system change — entry checkpoints, better monitoring, stronger enforcement — can protect thousands daily.

Public transport must prioritize:

Women’s safety
Elderly safety
Child protection
General passenger dignity

Safety is not a luxury. It is a basic right.

you can also read:https://safesphere360.blogspot.com/2026/01/childrens-online-safety-what-parents.html#google_vignette



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