Rooftop train travelling drops by 66% this year

The number of youngsters travelling on the roof of local trains has significantly dropped by 66% this year. This has been attributed to the fact that the railways have installed a high power cable that can give a shock to a person if they come within two metres of its radius.

The current voltage flowing through the overhead wire is 25,000 volts AC.

Statistics from Railway Protection Force (RPF) revealed that at least 612 cases were registered against rooftop travellers in the period between January and March as compared to last year. The number of cases has dropped to 203 registered in the same period this year.

RPF officials said the switch in the overhead power supply system from 1,500 volts Direct Current to 25,000 AC has caused fear among the youngsters. The high voltage current throws the person away even if they come within a metre of the wire.

“The central and harbour lines switched the power supply system to AC last year between April and May. We were forced to conduct drives on the harbour line. Soon after the conversion took place many youngsters were electrocuted travelling on the rooftop of the train,” said Sachin Bhalode, Senior Divisional Security Commissioner of Central Railway (CR).

The stations on the harbour line, namely Tilak Nagar, Govandi, Chembur and Mankhurd, are areas where youngsters of the age group of 15-22 years were found to perform stunts climbing on the rooftop of the trains. There were few cases reported on the central line too at stations like Kurla, Mulund and Dadar.

“Maximum youngsters were from Govandi who performed these stunts. In order to be part of a group, these youngsters travelled on the rooftop. Some also were influenced by Bollywood movies and some performed stunts to impress girls,” said Bhalode.

People travelled on the rooftop were booked under section 156 of the Railway Act. They were also fined up to Rs 400.