On the heels of augmentation of the Coimbatore-Mettupalayam-Coimbatore MEMU passenger trains with 12 coaches, from eight earlier, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police are together taking measures to prevent footboard travel.Passengers have been warned that fine will be imposed for footboard travel, to bring about a deterrent effect.Passengers found travelling on footboard will be penalised under Section 156 of Railway Act, that entails punishment with imprisonment up to three months or a fine of ₹500. Though promised during February, the coaches were augmented with additional coaches on August 10, in fulfilment of the long-time demand of the travelling public in Mettupalayam, Karamadai, Periyanaickenpalayam and Thudiyalur.On behalf of the passengers, Namma Mettupalayam Social Welfare Committee had submitted several representations, drawing attention of the Railways to the predicament of passengers travelling on footboards of the overcrowded train.There was nothing much that could be done by the authorities to curb footboard travel in the overcrowded trains operated with eight coaches.Now that four more coaches have been added, the GRP and RPF personnel are keeping watch on the passengers at the stations en route.Also, women police personnel keep watch on exclusive compartments for women to deter entry of men.Under the new rules that took effect on July 1, 2026, penalty of ₹2,500 will be imposed on the spot on male passengers found travelling in coaches or compartments reserved exclusively for women.Repeat offenders also face the risk of debarment of rail travel for a specified period. Published - August 22, 2026 07:40 pm IST