WR launches drive to curb track crossing
To check the loss of human lives due to track crossing, the Western Railway has launched an intense drive to curb trespassing at Andheri station on Thursday. WR deployed jawans of Railway Protection Force (RPF) at Andheri station on all vulnerable spots prone to trespassing. 155 people caught crossing tracks were apprehended under Section 147 of Railway Act and a fine of `1.35 lakh was collected, while 20 persons were sent to jail for 10 days. “This is a record number of apprehensions and prosecution of trespassers in a single day drive,” said Sharat Chandrayan, chief PRO of WR. According to an RPF personnel involved in the drive, such drives work as a deterrent against people who tend to attempt crossing tracks and endangering their lives. He added, “Apa-rt from special drives, regular vigil at vulnerable spots is kept by RPF personnel and people are dissuaded from crossing tracks.”
Data obtained from the WR shows that this year, between January and July, 3,800 people were booked under Section 147 of Railway Act for crossing tracks and a fine of `19.5 lakh was realised, while 40 people were sent to jail.
“Over a period of time, through several studies about behavioral science and thinking pattern of people crossing tracks, we have found that along with punitive action, social awareness to bring about a behavioral change is necessary. As such several campaigns are organised to touch an emotional chord with the people. These include the nukkad nataks at stations, poster campaigns, radio spots, cinema slides, advertisements, announcements, etc.,” said Mr Chandrayan. He added, “At the same time several measures are taken on ground zero, such as painting the sleepers on railway tracks yellow at vulnerable spots.”
Post new comment