The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has hastened its drive to curb track-crossing deaths and identified 10 vulnerable locations on the Western Railway corridor where large number of people cross tracks putting their lives in jeopardy everyday.
Fifty seven RPF personnel have been stationed at these locations to stop people from crossing tracks. The RPF is however, facing problems as people engage in altercations and refuse to listen.
According to the RPF, even as local trains run in a span of three to five minutes, large number of people cross at Jogeshwari level crossing, Kandivali level crossing, Nallasopara, Virar, Borivali and in between Dadar and Elphinstone Road. “The RPF staff has been stationed to prevent people from crossing tracks and then counsel them.
For stopping people from trespassing, they will blow the whistle,” said Rajendra Rupnawar, senior divisional security commissioner of the RPF (WR) adding that people at times agrue with the RPF personnel. The RPF said that around six more locations have been identified where such an initiative would be started.
“We are initiating street shows highlighting the perils of crossing tracks along with sending bulk messages through SMSes,” said Mr Rupnawar.
The WR built boundary walls on both sides of the tracks to avoid trespassing.