If you are a regular train traveller, you must have noticed that there’s hardly a place left in the train to escape the pungent smell of cigarette smoke. Even though the practice of smoking in trains is prohibited, there are many who continue to do so. That is why it has become almost impossible to find a place where one can travel without being affected by second-hand smoke. This has led to quite a few debates about whether or not there should be a smoking zone in trains as well. Self-proclaimed health-conscious citizens strongly oppose any presence of smoking zones in trains and other public spaces. They claim that this will only further encourage smokers and give them an excuse for lighting up at their convenience. On the other hand, those who support the idea of a designated smoking zone argue that it will limit exposure from passive smoking and hence protect non-smokers from contracting lung diseases. In this article, we shall explore both sides of this argument and try to understand which makes more sense.
Pro-Smoking Zone Argument
People are free to do whatever they want, but they should also take into account the feelings of others. Many non-smokers have a strong allergic reaction to second-hand smoke. Some of them even have to take anti-allergy medications to protect themselves from the effects of this smoke. Therefore, a smoking cabin in trains is a necessary demand of the time. It would help protect people who are allergic to smoking from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. Moreover, those who are not allergic to the smoke but are forced to travel in a train full of cigarette smoke would also find relief in this smoking cabin. Even though passengers are not supposed to smoke in trains, many of them still do so. Allowing smokers to stay in a designated cabin would help reduce the amount of smoke present in the rest of the train, thereby protecting non-smokers from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
Con-Smoking Zone Argument
Public transport, such as trains, is meant for travellers who don’t have their own vehicles. They are supposed to be accessible to all, irrespective of their socio-economic status. So, if a particular train has a smoking cabin, it would imply that only people who can afford to travel in that particular section would do so. This would put the poorer travellers at a disadvantage since they would have to either travel in the more crowded general coach or in a compartment where smoking is allowed. The aim of having public transport is to make things easier for all people, irrespective of which section they belong to. So, it makes little sense to have different rules for different people. Moreover, even though smoking in trains is prohibited, it is not like people are actually following this rule. In fact, whenever someone tries to complain about the smoking, they are often told that this is a rule that is rarely followed. In such a situation, it would be better to have a smoking-free environment in trains so that non-smokers are not forced to travel in a smoke-filled cabin.
Should there be a smoking cabin in the train?
It has been discussed that some are arguing there should be no smoking cabin in trains because smoking is harmful to both the smokers and non-smokers. Moreover, it is important to create an environment where people are not forced to breathe in smoke from others. In the other side, people are proposing a smoking cabin in the train, the travel will be even more enjoyable. It is indeed not an easy issue as there will always be pros and cons in the society. However, it is essential to make sure all the smoking cabins are equipped with proper filtration system if this smoking cabin needs to be implemented.
We cannot ignore the fact that smoking is a harmful habit. It is bad for both the smokers and non-smokers. For this reason, it is important to make travelling by train a healthier and more comfortable experience for everyone. It is important that the government takes strict action if they will allow installing smoking cabin in trains by installing the necessary signs and making announcements.
