New Delhi: With Vande Bharat trains equipped with automatic doors that lock shortly before departure, Indian Railways has issued an advisory explaining what passengers should do if they are unable to get off the train after the doors close.

The advisory comes as Vande Bharat services become increasingly popular across the country.

Unlike conventional trains, the semi-high-speed trains feature an automatic door system similar to metro rail services.

The doors remain open only for a limited time at stations and automatically lock shortly before departure to ensure passenger safety.

Railway authorities have cautioned passengers against panicking if they accidentally remain onboard after the doors close.

Officials have also warned against pulling the emergency chain or attempting to force the doors open, saying such actions can compromise safety and attract legal action.

Pulling the emergency chain without a genuine emergency is a punishable offence under railway rules.

Instead, Indian Railways has advised passengers to follow these steps:

  • Use the Emergency Talk-Back system: Passengers should press the Emergency Talk-Back button installed near the doors to alert the loco pilot and onboard train staff. If the train is still at the platform, railway personnel may be able to assist and, where operationally feasible, reopen the doors before departure.
  • Inform the TTE immediately: If the train has already left the station, passengers should contact the Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) without delay and explain the situation. Since the person does not have a valid ticket for the journey, they may be treated as a ticketless passenger. The TTE can levy the applicable fare and penalty under railway rules before allowing the passenger to deboard at the next suitable station after completing the required formalities.
  • Follow metro-style boarding discipline: Railway authorities said passengers should board and deboard only during the designated halt, as Vande Bharat's automatic doors remain open for only a brief moment before closing. Unlike metro systems, however, Vande Bharat trains cover longer distances between stations, making it difficult for passengers who accidentally remain onboard to get off quickly.
  • Do not board just to escort someone: Officials have advised passengers against boarding Vande Bharat trains merely to help relatives or friends reach their seats. Once the automatic doors close, getting off the train may not be possible until the next scheduled stop.
  • Avoid last-minute boarding or deboarding: Railway authorities have also urged passengers not to rush while boarding or alighting. Reaching the station well in advance and completing boarding before the doors close can help prevent accidents and unnecessary inconvenience.

Officials said the advisory aims to improve passenger awareness and ensure safe travel on Vande Bharat services, which rely on automated door systems as an important safety feature.