Railways cracks down on misleading social media posts during festive season

The Railway Administration has announced strict action against social media accounts sharing misleading or outdated videos related to railway operations, amid rising concerns over passenger confusion during the ongoing festive season.

Officials said that over 20 such accounts have been identified, and the process of filing First Information Reports (FIRs) has been initiated. A 24×7 social media monitoring mechanism has also been established to track such antisocial activities closely.

“A single misleading video can create panic among passengers and disrupt operations, especially during peak travel periods,” said a senior official of the Railway Administration. “We are committed to ensuring that accurate information reaches our passengers at all times.”

Railways have appealed to social media users to avoid sharing videos of station crowds or other incidents without verifying the facts. “Passengers must rely only on official Railway notifications and verified social media handles of the Ministry of Railways,” the official added.

The Ministry of Railways’ verified social media accounts include @RailMinIndia on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Authorities have also urged the public to report any misleading content to these official channels.

“During festivals, stations see heavy footfall, and it is important that information is factual and timely,” said another spokesperson. “We are asking all citizens to cooperate and help prevent the spread of misinformation, which can unnecessarily alarm passengers and affect railway services.”

Railway officials stressed that strict action will be taken against repeat offenders, and that the monitoring mechanism will continue even after the festive season.