Fewer deaths on tracks but trespassing worries railways

The number of commuters injured in railway accidents has increased marginally. While 4,030 people suffered injuries in railway accidents in 2008,the number rose to 4037 in 2009. Of these,775 people were injured due to trespassing. Around 1,863 people were injured after falling off running trains.

In Central Railway (CR),the Kurla railway police station registered 434 deaths and topped the list in registering the highest number of casualties. In 2009,both the CR and WR had launched an intensive drive against trespassers. But the railways have still not been able to close all the level crossings due to public opposition.

“We have taken a series of efforts by asking people not to cross the tracks. Still several people die due to trespassing. The number of deaths due to trespassing have gone down by 10 to 15 percent,” said WR chief spokesperson Shyam Sunder Gupta. The WR has also tied up with an NGO to launch a campaign against trespassing at Goregoan station.

“Apart from shutting the entry point fencing walls,we have also augmented the capacity of trains by converting 9-coach trains to 12-coach trains to accommodate more commuters during the peak hours. The awareness drive has also yielded results,” said Central Railway chief spokesperson Shriniwas Mudgerikar.

Robbery cases on the rise
The number of robbery cases in trains and railway premises has increased. According to the figures,the Mumbai Railway Police had registered around 870 cases of robberies in 2008. In 2009,the number rose to 910. Crime against women has not shown a rise.