CR all set to put up placards with no. of deaths at the spot

MUMBAI : To discourage people from crossing the tracks on the central railway (CR) route, the authorities now plan to put up placards displaying the number of deaths at that particular spot, in addition to its regular drives.

“We often conduct drives, but people tend to ignore our requests. We will now display the number of deaths at every location, so people think twice before crossing the railway tracks,” said a senior central railway official.

The authorities plan to set up cameras at spots that witness heavy trespassing (crossing of tracks). They will study the pattern, after which authorities will come up with a solution.

“This is a welcome move, as seeing the number on display could stop people from repeating their mistake. Railway officials should also take help from local non- government bodies to educate people about the dangers of trespassing,” said Subhash Gupta, president, Rail Yatri Parishad.

Further, the railway officials will also take help from National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers to man the tracks and foot overbridges, along with the railway protection force (RPF) personnel, during peak hours.

“We will take assistance from NCC, NSS, school and college students to create awareness,” said KK Ashraf, senior divisional security commissioner, central railway. According to railway officials, a review of personnel is being undertaken, after which RPF staff will deploy them at the important spots.