SCR bans morning walks on MMTS platforms at several Hyderabad stations

South Central Railway has prohibited morning walks on platforms at several MMTS stations in Hyderabad, citing safety and passenger convenience concerns. Railway officials have warned of penalties and prosecution for violations, while resident welfare groups have advised walkers to seek alternative locations.

Hyderabad: Hundreds of fitness enthusiasts who use MMTS railway station platforms for physical exercise and morning walks had their routines disrupted after the South Central Railway (SCR) officials restricted walking on the platforms at several stations.

The restriction has been enforced at MMTS stations of Malkajgiri, Safilguda, Ramakrishna Puram Gate, Cavalry Barracks, Dayanand Nagar, and Sitaphalmandi, and station officials were informed that penalties be imposed or cases booked against those violating the restrictions. Morning walkers used to avail the empty platforms during early hours from 5 am to 7 am for their daily walk.

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The Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) circulated the official communication to the residents concerned through social media platforms. A member of United Federation of RWAs (UFERWAS), K Raghavendra, said, “We have alerted the residents regarding the railway authorities’ restriction on morning walkers on the platforms and also to impose penalties.”

The SCR communication mentions that a large number of unauthorised persons use the platforms for walking, resulting in overcrowding on platforms during peak hours and posing safety risks to bona fide passengers while boarding and alighting trains. It was also observed that walkers obstructed passenger movement and occupied benches intended for genuine passengers.

The railway authorities also decided to display notice boards at MMTS platforms stating ‘Walking on platforms by unauthorised persons is prohibited. Violators are liable for prosecution under section 147 (Trespass) and Section 146 (Refusal to obey lawful directions of the Railways Act, 1989)’ in Hindi, Telugu, and English languages.

The RWAs urged morning walkers to make alternate arrangements as the ban on walking on platforms in these MMTS stations would come into effect immediately, said Raghavendra.