The Passenger Amenities Committee has not only recommended that the archaic system be scrapped, it is also pushing for a modern system to replace it. According to members of the committee, the system is more often than not misused by passengers and miscreants rather than be a utility service.

Interestingly, the idea first generated from former president A P J Abdul Kalam who at an RPF parade on May 22, 2006 spoke about replacing the system for the first time.

“After we sent the proposal for discontinuing the system, we are having talks with railway officials to put in place a modern communication system where passengers in any compartment can reach the driver in case of an emergency,” said Suvaprasanna, chairman of the committee.

The committee and the railways are trying to put in place a system where passengers in each compartment of a train can communicate directly with the driver in case of an emergency. It will be the driver who will stop the train.

The proposal was sent by the committee in October and was followed by several communications between the committee members and railways officials. The committee proposal also has the backing of Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Committee members said the alarm chain-pulling system has been frequently misused.

“In most of the incidents, miscreants, robbers and dacoits use the system to make good their escape from the train. After carrying out an act of robbery, they simply pull the chain and get away,” said a member.“The system is also misused by common passengers and pranksters, who stop the train whenever they feel like. The Rs 1,000 fine has not been a deterrent because in most cases the person is not found.”