Why Indian Railways is proscribing motion of lithium, li-ion batteries in leased parcel area of trains

The Indian Railways has imposed restrictions on the transportation of lithium and lithium-ion batteries in leased parcel area of trains. This resolution will have an effect on the motion of laptops, cellphones, and small electrical autos, amongst different commodities, utilizing the railways’ parcel service, in accordance with an ET report.
To make sure security, Indian Railways now requires a 48-hour prior discover for the transport of lithium batteriesor powered gear.Moreover, railway officers will examine and approve the packaging of the consignment earlier than it’s moved by trains, a senior authorities official mentioned. These measures are being carried out to stop misclassification of commodities and to deal with latest incidents of parcels catching fireplace.
Within the first half of the present fiscal 12 months, there have been 5 reported circumstances of fireside throughout Indian Railways, with two occurring in September alone. This is a rise in comparison with the 2 circumstances reported throughout the identical interval final 12 months.

Permission to move lithium and lithium-ion batteries, together with gear powered by these batteries, was granted in February this 12 months by means of an modification to the Railways Pink Tariff Guidelines, 2000. This allowed for the motion of cell telephones, laptops, small electrical autos, and different gadgets utilizing the Railways Parcel service.
It was additionally determined that the transportation of fireside extinguishers, lighters or lighter refills, flammable perfumery merchandise, and corrosive disinfectant liquids could be permitted.

The choice to permit leased parcel area was geared toward diversifying the income streams of the railways and attracting extra e-commerce companies to make the most of their companies. Nonetheless, with latest security issues, the railways has now put restrictions in place.

Ravinder Gupta, former Director Basic Security of the Indian Railways, commented on the necessity for a battery-specific code, stating that enter from worldwide delivery and airline tips needs to be thought of. This can make sure the protected transportation of lithium-ion batteries, whether or not contained in a tool or unfastened, in a sufficiently discharged situation and correctly packed, he mentioned.