Rlys plans drive against stunts

In order to curb the menace of stunts performed in local trains, rooftop travelling and track crossing, which lead to fatal accidents, the Government Railway Police (GRP) will be carrying out a week-long campaign and awareness drive from November 28.

Statistics have revealed that while cases of rooftop death due to electrocution have increased as compared to last year, cases of death during line crossing, falling off from running trains and falling in the gap of platforms and footboard of trains have come down.

Speaking about the drive, Commissioner of Railway Police Niket Kaushik said, “We will be concentrating on the safety measures to curb acts which leads to accidents, trespassing, stunts, climbing on rooftops. We will also conduct educational programmes and will address college students on safety issues.”

He added, that social media will also be used adequately for spreading the message of safety by the railways. “We will also rope in Police Mitra, Mahila Samiti members and other such groups to spread awareness. Billboards will be put up and announcements regarding safety will be made. We have also prepared awareness video clips that would be used during the awareness campaign,” he said.

“Taking action on railway rule violators is a regular process, but during this week-long campaign,  apart from taking action, we will also conduct awareness programmes. On an average, 3,500 persons die in railway accidents per year. At least ten people die railway deaths per day. It is a social concern that needs to be addressed,” he said.  

Statistics provided by the GRP revealed that 2,650 persons have died in railway related deaths till October this year.