Over the past two and a half years, a grim statistic has come to light in Delhi-NCR: 1,321 bodies were found on railway tracks, according to the Railway Protection Force (RPF). This steady rise in deaths has become a serious safety concern, putting both passengers and residents at risk.
The fatalities have increased year by year. In 2023, 533 deaths were recorded, followed by 548 in 2024. Alarmingly, in just the first six months of this year, 240 bodies have already been discovered on the tracks, underscoring a dangerous trend that shows no sign of slowing.
RPF officials have identified five high-risk areas where most of these deaths occur: Faridabad station, Delhi Shahdara junction, Adarsh Nagar railway station, Gurgaon railway station, and Rohtak railway station. These hotspots are marked by frequent trespassing and risky behavior near railway lines.
Many of the incidents are linked to people taking shortcuts across tracks to save time. Residents of slum clusters near railway lines are particularly vulnerable, as they often cross tracks daily to reach schools, markets, or workplaces. Other dangerous behaviors include sitting near open train doors and attempting to board or disembark from moving trains. In some cases, deaths have also been attributed to suicides.
In response, the RPF has intensified its safety measures. Under Section 147 of the Railway Act, stricter action is being taken against trespassers. Authorities are running awareness workshops to educate the public on the dangers of crossing tracks and the importance of using foot overbridges and designated pathways. Railway staff, along with the Government Railway Police and civil police, are being deployed at platforms, level crossings, and trespass-prone areas to monitor unsafe behavior.
Public campaigns are also underway, with loudspeaker announcements, posters, and community meetings aimed at instilling a culture of safety. Officials stress that avoiding track crossings and refraining from boarding moving trains are not only crucial for personal safety but are also punishable offenses.
The RPF’s efforts highlight a pressing need for collective responsibility. With the rising number of deaths, railway authorities are calling on residents and passengers to act with greater caution. The goal is to reduce fatalities and ensure safer rail travel across Delhi-NCR, but success will depend on both enforcement and public cooperation.
