Drive to curb danger on railway tracks yields results
Western Railways drive to discourage people from crossing railway tracks is yielding results. Encouraged by the result, the next leg of the drive Anmol Jeevan, was launched on Monday. Divisional Railway Manager CP Sharma, along with Brigadier Mahesh Mathur and NCC cadets of 3 Maharashtra Battalion, launched the two-day campaign at Dadar station to create awareness on the dangers of crossing the tracks.
Sharma said, After the drive was initiated, we have seen a reduction in cases of trespassing. Western Railway wants to educate commuters against the evils of crossing tracks. People should know how fatal it could be. A few minutes here and there can take them away from their loved ones forever.
Brigadier Mathur thanked the WR authorities for involving them in such a noble cause. He said, We are happy to be part of such a campaign.
To curb the cases of death and injuries due to line crossing, WR had initiated Anmol Jeevan from January 28 to February 28 this year. During the month-long drive, 2,448 trespassers were caught and Rs 7,16,100 was collected as fine. As many as 82 were sent to jail.
On Monday, 400 NCC cadets were deputed at 32 stations including Dadar, Andheri, Jogeshwari, Goregaon, Malad, Kandivali and Borivali between 11 am and 1.30 pm. On April 8, these cadets, among others, will be present at Malad, Kandivali, Borivali, Dahisar, Mira road, Bhayandar stations between 10 am to 1.30 pm.
In January this year, 82 persons died while crossing tracks and 39 were injured. In February, 76 died and 34 injured in suburban section of WR. Though the figures for March were not available, WR authorities claim that the cases have reduced.
In 2007, 15,743 trespassers were caught and Rs 24 lakh collected as fine. One hundred and seventy nine people were sent to jail. In 2008, 8,179 were caught and fine of Rs 12 lakh was realised. As many as 163 were sent to jail.