Travel Safety
Railway travel is generally safe, but staying alert and taking simple precautions can help protect passengers from avoidable risks. This guide focuses specifically on personal safety, security and responsible actions during a train journey.
Stay Alert at the Railway Station
- Stay alert in crowded areas such as platforms, foot overbridges, entrances and waiting areas.
- Keep your personal belongings within your sight and reach in busy places.
- Do not follow strangers into isolated areas or accept unsolicited assistance when it is not required.
- Never cross railway tracks. Use the designated foot overbridge, subway or other safe crossing provided at the station.
Safe Boarding and Alighting
- Board the train only after it has stopped completely and the designated boarding area is safe.
- Allow passengers to get down before attempting to board, especially during crowded periods.
- Use the handrails and steps carefully while boarding or alighting.
- Do not attempt to board or get down from a moving train.
Safety Inside the Train
During the Journey
- Keep your luggage properly secured and avoid blocking aisles, doorways or emergency passages.
- Keep valuable items such as mobile phones, wallets and important documents secure, particularly while sleeping.
- Do not leave children unattended, particularly near train doors or crowded areas.
Near Train Doors and Windows
- Do not lean out of train doors or windows while the train is moving.
- Avoid standing near open train doors while the train is in motion.
Protect Your Belongings
Personal Belongings
- Keep bags, mobile phones, wallets and other valuables within your reach.
- Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or valuable items unnecessarily.
Baggage Security
- Before leaving your seat or compartment, check that you have all your belongings with you.
- Keep your belongings secure when moving away from your seat or coach.
Food, Drinks and Personal Safety
Food and Drinks
- Be cautious when accepting food or drinks from unknown passengers.
- Prefer food and beverages from reliable and authorised sources.
- Do not accept food, drinks or other items from unknown persons unless you are certain they are safe.
Personal Safety
- Keep medicines and essential personal items easily accessible during the journey.
- If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, move towards a populated area and seek assistance from railway staff or security personnel.
Children and Elderly Passengers
Children
- Keep children under supervision throughout the journey, especially at stations and near train doors.
Elderly Passengers
- Help elderly passengers while boarding, alighting and moving through crowded areas when assistance is needed.
- Keep essential medicines, identification and emergency contact information readily available.
Emergency Awareness
During an Emergency
- Stay calm and follow instructions from railway staff during an emergency.
- Familiarise yourself with the location of emergency exits and other safety facilities where applicable.
Reporting Safety Concerns
- Report suspicious activity, unattended items or serious safety concerns to railway staff or security personnel.
- Do not attempt to handle an unknown or suspicious object yourself.
Stay Safe During Station Stops
- If you leave the train during a station stop, keep track of the scheduled departure and return well before the train is due to leave.
- Do not board a different coach or train by mistake when returning to your journey.
- Keep your belongings secure when moving away from your seat or coach.
General Safety Reminder
- Follow railway safety instructions, announcements and directions from authorised railway personnel.
- Use designated facilities and safe routes at railway stations.
- Avoid unnecessary risks and remain aware of your surroundings throughout the journey.
- In case of an emergency or security concern, seek assistance from authorised railway staff or security personnel.
Important Note
Railway rules, train schedules, reservation policies, fares, platform information and passenger services may change from time to time. Passengers are strongly advised to verify the latest information through the official Indian Railways and IRCTC websites before making travel decisions.
RailMitra Guide Portal is an independent railway information portal created to assist passengers. Although every effort is made to keep the information accurate and up to date, the official Indian Railways and IRCTC websites shall always prevail in the event of any change, revision or policy update.