Understanding Railway Deaths in Delhi-NCR
In the past two and a half years, a shocking 1,321 bodies were found on railway tracks in Delhi-NCR. This statistic from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) highlights how Safety Concerns Rise as Railway Deaths continue to expose a serious safety problem in our region.
Tragic Increase in Railway Deaths
The number of deaths on railway tracks has been rising. In 2023, there were 533 deaths. The following year, 2024, saw an increase to 548 deaths. Just in the first half of this year, 240 bodies were already discovered. This trend is worrying for everyone.
Identifying High-Risk Areas
RPF officials identified five places as high-risk for rail-related deaths:
- Faridabad station
- Delhi Shahdara junction
- Adarsh Nagar railway station
- Gurgaon railway station
- Rohtak railway station
These areas are where many accidents happen, and action is needed to make them safer.
Causes of Railway Accidents
Many accidents occur when people take shortcuts across the tracks. An RPF official noted, “We caught people who claimed they were in a hurry and chose to walk along the tracks to save time.” Unfortunately, this rush can lead to tragic outcomes.
Many slum clusters exist near the railway lines. Residents often cross tracks to reach markets, schools, or work. This habit greatly increases the risk of accidents. But it doesn’t stop there; dangerous actions like sitting near open train doors also add to the danger. In some sad cases, suicide has also been noted as a cause of deaths.
Efforts to Enhance Safety
To address this issue, the RPF has stepped up its efforts along these risky stretches. They are enforcing stricter measures under Section 147 of the Railway Act. This section punishes people who trespass on railway property. The goal is clear: keep everyone safe.
The RPF is running regular workshops to educate the public. These workshops aim to make people aware of the dangers of crossing tracks. They emphasize the importance of using foot overbridges and designated pathways. It’s essential for everyone to understand these risks.
Moreover, RPF officials are working closely with the Government Railway Police and civil police. They aim to catch people who behave unsafely around train tracks. An official stated, “Railway staff are strategically deployed at platforms, level crossing gates, and areas prone to trespassing to monitor and prevent such activities more effectively.” This means more eyes are watching to keep passengers safe.
Encouraging Safe Behaviors
Railway authorities are urging everyone to avoid crossing tracks. Boarding or disembarking from moving trains is also very dangerous. Both actions are not only risky but also punishable offenses.
Loudspeakers and informative posters spread the message. Officials are holding community meetings to reach even more people. All these efforts aim to foster a culture of safety among passengers and local residents.
Conclusion: A Call for Responsibility
The RPF’s initiatives are important. They focus on promoting responsibility and caution among residents and train passengers. Safety Concerns Rise as Railway Deaths continue to increase, and the aim is clear: to reduce fatalities and ensure safer rail travel across Delhi-NCR. Everyone needs to play their part to make our railways safer for all.
