Fatalities down as fences keep trespassers away
Western Railways (WR) has managed to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused due to trespassing on tracks. And this figure is decreasing every year.
Goregaon, which is one of most accident-prone areas, has seen a dip in the number of cases every month. Continuous drives and installation of fences on all dangerous points is the reason behind the decrease in accidents, a Goregaon official said.
Not long ago, around 14 such cases were reported every month, but now this has come down to 10, the official added.
In a special drive at Andheri station on December 9, trespassers were counselled by members of the Girl Guides and Rangers wing of Western Railway Scouts and Guides, RPF and the commercial staff.
WR also conducted an anti-trespassing drive at Kandivali station on December 10. During the campaign, many commuters were counselled, while 15 people were arrested while crossing tracks and produced in court. A fine of Rs 6,000 was recovered from 12 people, while three were sent to jail for five days.
WR has also been running the Anmol Jeevan drive since February last year. Besides regular announcements, posters, mass contacts and nukkad naataks, WR also took help from NGOs and NSS students for the cause.
Trespassing is a punishable offence under Section 147 of the Indian Railway Act. The offender can be fined up to Rs 1,000 or imprisoned for a period up to six months or both.