CHENNAI: In a move to curb nuisances caused by tipplers at railway stations and accident deaths due to inebriation, Southern Railway has sent a missive to Tasmac management seeking closure of wine shops near railway stations.
In a letter to Tasmac management, Louis Amudhan, senior divisional security commissioner of the Chennai division of Southern Railway, appraised the Tasmac management about problems caused by drunken residents and passengers to the other passengers. The letter also elaborated the number of deaths due to crossing rail tracks under the influence of alcohol, Amudhan said.
“We have already sent three letters requesting the closure of wine shops near railway stations in and around Chennai. Local residents habitually lie down in railway stations in drunken state disturbing rail passengers. This also affects the safety of the rail passengers,” Amudhan said.
Amudhan also added that if the wine shops have been closed, accident deaths and nuisances would be brought down.
“Problem is more common in sub-urban railway stations than railway station located within city limits, Amudhan said.
According to the railway data, a total of 22,348 cases, under the section 145 of Railway Act, had been filed against nuisance in the year 2017 and more than 7,000 persons were arrested for the same.
