South Central Railway has issued an appeal to the public, urging them to refrain from flying kites near railway traction lines during the upcoming Sankranti festival. The railway authority expressed serious concerns over incidents of electrocution resulting from kite flying in close proximity to railway premises, tracks, and adjacent areas.
During the last Sankranti festival season, multiple cases were reported across different zones of Indian Railways, where individuals suffered severe electric shocks or fatal injuries due to contact with kite threads entangled with 25 kV Overhead Electric Traction (OHE) lines. The use of Chinese-imported kite threads, often metallic or chemically treated, can conduct electricity, posing a significant threat to human life and railway electrical infrastructure.
The South Central Railway emphasized the importance of avoiding kite flying near railway tracks, stations, yards, and other railway installations to prevent accidents and service disruptions. The overhead traction lines carry high-voltage electricity, making even indirect contact through kite threads potentially fatal. It is crucial for everyone to celebrate festivals responsibly to ensure safety and uninterrupted train operations.
A food delivery boy in Hyderabad’s Old City suffered a serious injury after becoming entangled in Chinese manja. The incident occurred in the Shamsheergunj area, where the banned Chinese manja wrapped around the boy’s neck, causing a deep cut. The injured boy, Jameel, was promptly taken to a private hospital for treatment, receiving 22 sutures for the injury.
In response to the incident, Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender announced a reward of Rs. 5,000 for information leading to the detection of the sale of banned Chinese manja. Police in Hyderabad have intensified their efforts to crack down on the sale and use of the prohibited string.
