Rlys asks vendors to install fire extinguishers

Neeraj Bagga

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, April 15

The directions of the Railways to vendors to install fire extinguishers has caused resentment among them. The vendors at the city railway station say such equipment is not even installed at the offices and on the platforms.

According to information, such instructions have been given following a recent fire incident at the Shahadara railway station. There are around 20 vendors, including 12 stalls and eight trolleys, at the Amritsar railway station who have been asked to equip themselves with fire fighting instruments.

The vendors say that the officials concerned have been pressurising them to install two fire extinguishers each. These were asked to be installed even by those who were operating book stalls, medicine shops and other non-combustible material.

They said vendors were not trained to handle any untoward situation. “Instead of asking us, the Railways should install fire extinguishers on the premises of the station and impart training to its staff to combat fire breakout,” said a vendor, who wished not to be named.

Amrit Singh, Officiating Director of the railway station, said, “After an incident of fire breakout at a railway station, the Railways has asked its stations to cross check the same at their end.”

He said the Railways had its own system to tackle fire. Evaluation will be done and more fire fighting equipment, if needed, will be installed, he added.