During Diwali, millions of people travel from their work cities to their home cities. For most, trains are a convenient mode of transport. You may be among these people, traveling home by train! If so, before packing your bags, take a look at an important update from the Indian Railways. To ensure everyone's safety during the festive season, the Railways has issued a new advisory urging passengers to avoid carrying certain items on trains, aimed at preventing accidents and ensuring no untoward incidents during the festive rush.

Since trains are expected to be extremely crowded this Diwali, it's even more important to follow safety rules. Doing so can ensure a smooth and worry-free journey. Here, we're providing a brief guideline on what items you should avoid, what to avoid, and how to travel safely during this season.

Avoid Carrying These 6 Items
With Diwali, Chhath, and other festivals approaching, the Indian Railways has begun raising awareness about safety measures to ensure safe and smooth train travel. According to official advice, passengers should avoid carrying these six items on trains:

Firecrackers
Kerosene oil
Gas cylinders
Stoves
Matchboxes
Cigarettes
The reason is simple. Many of these items are flammable or explosive. In the confined space of a train, where ventilation may be poor and surfaces are often metal or plastic, even a small spark can increase the risk exponentially.

Safety Tips from Indian Railways
Railway officials are also urging passengers to be vigilant and follow good safety practices.

Report suspicious items or behavior: If you see firecrackers, flammable materials, or anything unusual on the train or at the station, immediately contact the RPF/GRP or railway staff.
Keep valuables close: Don't stuff everything deep into the lower racks, especially in crowded compartments; keep valuables close and within sight.
Travel with light luggage: Avoid overpacking; excess luggage can hamper movement and block aisles.

Use digital payments: Carry minimal cash by choosing UPI, card, or mobile payments.

Protect children and the elderly: Always keep minors or elderly co-passengers with you and within your sight.

Follow staff instructions: These are often given for security, crowd control, or emergency information.

Make a smart plan:
Check your luggage a day before departure: Ensure that no prohibited items end up in your bag during the festive rush.
Arrive at the station early: Use the holding area at major stations to complete ticketing and security formalities.

Be alert during travel: If you notice any strong odors (such as fuel or gas) or smoke, immediately inform staff.

Holding areas at many stations, including Delhi
Festivals like Diwali and Chhath cause heavy rush on trains. Stations are crowded, platforms are packed with passengers and luggage, and each compartment is filled more than usual. To address this, permanent holding areas have now been created at several major stations, including New Delhi, Bandra Terminus, Udhna, and Surat, to help ease congestion.

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