Running on railway tracks may seem like an exciting adventure, but it’s a gamble with potentially deadly consequences. The uneven surface poses a significant risk of tripping and falling, leading to serious injuries or worse. Trains can approach quietly and swiftly, leaving little time to react and escape harm’s way. Trespassing on railway property is not only risky but also illegal, carrying hefty fines and potential legal repercussions.
Which is why Indian Railways Accounts Service officer Ananth Rupanagudi slammed Puma and Milind Soman for releasing an advertisement where Milind is seen running on the tracks. His argument is that the advertisement sets the wrong example as running on tracks can be dangerous.
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He argued that railway tracks aren’t meant for jogging and that such an act is treated as trespassing. He asked Puma to put a disclaimer on this advertisement. Have a look at his post here:
I have a problem with this ad, @PUMA. Railway tracks aren't meant for jogging and it's treated as trespassing. @milindrunning – you should have verified this before shooting this ad. @PUMA, please put a disclaimer on this ad. #IndianRailways #Advertising @RailMinIndia @RPF_INDIA pic.twitter.com/gSqa58BNR4
— Ananth Rupanagudi (@Ananth_IRAS) May 5, 2024
This started a debate on social media. While some people agreed with what the IRAS officer had to say, others claimed that the track was deserted and that the company might have already taken due permission from the authorities to shoot the advertisement. However, the officer stressed on the fact that it is not about the track being deserted or the company having permission; it’s about setting the wrong example.
I believe it's the railway track in the Borivali National Park. But running on the track of Indian Railways is fundamentally wrong. The messaging of the ad is not correct.
— Ananth Rupanagudi (@Ananth_IRAS) May 5, 2024
It's not about where it is shot but the messaging in the ad. It would convey that it's okay to jog and run on the tracks, which isn't correct. Just like one of the ads that glorified alarm chain pulling.
— Ananth Rupanagudi (@Ananth_IRAS) May 5, 2024
From my experience, I can say that ad film shoots and photography cannot happen without due permissions. Technically, we can’t even shoot on an open road/highway without permissions in writing. A storyboard is usually sent to govt authorities if their permission is being sought.
— G S SHRIDHAR (Kuduvalli & Gangur Parivar) (@ushrit2020) May 6, 2024
While residing at a cottage in Lovedale, Ooty, the railway tracks parallel path was the only access and hence most of the times, I used to walk on the tracks to reach home
Of course this section of the railway witnessed only the mountain train chugging occasionally— suryanarayanan k (@surissoul) May 6, 2024
The message felt om simple perception is about comfy shoes. No sense of encouragement or motivation to job on railway tracks was immediately perceived. It could have been worse.seprtly, its high time railways do something systematic about crowding, i see a new blip in system!
— Shrini (@jarofbrain) May 5, 2024
Adding a disclaimer makes sense, as a responsible entity. However, had it been shot on IR tracks, who gave permission? If not shot on IR tracks, then what’s bothering IR ?
— VIJAY KRISHNAMURTHY (@kvrsrk) May 6, 2024
Don’t let the allure of adventure blind you to the very real hazards. Stay safe, stay off the tracks.