Barricades save commuters,kill gangmen on railway tracks

“When Rasool Ahmed saw the train he tried to save himself but due to the barricade he could not cross the track on the other side. A similar case happened last year in December when a gangman was run over near the Bandra station,” said a WR engineer.

As per WR figures,15 gangmen have died since 2006.

DY Mahale,Divisional Chairman of Western Railway Employees Union,said,“We understand that barricades are made for the security of commuters. But these barricades are becoming a reason of death for our gangmen. On Monday we will give a memorandum to WR administration.”

Railway unions say that unsafe working conditions on tracks and shortage of flagmen are the main reasons why such incidents take place.

Shyam Sunder Gupta,Chief Public Relation Officer,WR said,“Train frequency is very high in the suburban section so gangmen and other staff working on tracks are always advised to take extra care. Barricades have been installed at stations to discourage trespassers.”