The Central Railway (CR) division has been grappling with a troubling surge in deaths and injuries on railway tracks, especially within the Pune division. Both 2021 and 2022 witnessed a notable increase in such incidents compared to the previous year, largely attributed to trespassing on railway tracks.
Unfortunately, the trend continues in the current year as well. Shockingly, over 600 lives have been lost in the CR zone, including 150 within the Pune division, thus far in 2023. These numbers are disconcerting considering the 318 deaths recorded in Pune division and 1,250 in the CR zone in the previous year.
Experts and authorities have pointed out that while efforts have been made to enhance security and safety measures, the issue of trespassing on tracks remains largely unaddressed. Vikas Deshpande, president of Pune-Daund-Pune Pravasi Sangh, emphasized the need for more concrete actions in this regard.
Central Railway’s data highlights a 27% increase in deaths in 2022 compared to the previous year, and a staggering over 100% surge in injuries in the same period. Even more alarming is the fact that the number of casualties in 2023 has already exceeded the figures for 2020. Similarly, injuries in 2023 have surpassed the records of both 2021 and 2020.
To address this pressing concern, the railway board has allocated Rs41,000 crore to tackle issues like cattle overruns and pedestrian trespassing. Pune rail division’s share of this funding is Rs214 crore. Measures include installing crash barriers akin to those used on highways, preventing cattle from straying onto tracks. Additionally, low-height subways will be constructed at sensitive points to discourage people from crossing tracks. These subways are slated to be established mainly along the Pune-Daund section, which reports a higher frequency of such incidents.
Ramdas Bhise, divisional commercial manager and public relations officer of Pune rail division, outlined the importance of these initiatives. He explained that RPF (Railway Protection Force) teams have been instructed to intensify patrolling in trespass-prone areas, coupled with campaigns to raise awareness among those living near rail tracks about the associated risks and penalties.
Nikhil Kachi, a member of the divisional railway users’ consultative committee (DRUCC), stated that the issue will be a focal point of discussion at the upcoming DRUCC meeting in early September. Encroachments on railway land have also contributed to trespassing incidents, and authorities are collaborating with the RPF and Pune Municipal Corporation to address this issue.
Addressing the public’s perspective, regular commuter Karun Sable emphasized the importance of intensive patrolling and strict fines for trespassers. He also highlighted the need to monitor teenagers who put their lives at risk by capturing videos on rail tracks.
Bhise assured that regular announcements through the public address system are ongoing, and unauthorised trespassers face prosecution under Section 147 of the Railway Act. The severity of punishment is determined by the Railway Court. In a bid to curb these unfortunate incidents, a comprehensive approach involving public awareness, improved infrastructure, and stringent actions against trespassers is essential.
