E-Paper
High number of deaths on tracks: Rail authorities identify accident-prone stretches around Ludhiana
In an analysis, Railway Protection Force officials said, it was found that as many as 176 accidents were reported on the 15-km stretch between Ludhiana to Sahnewal followed by Ludhiana-Goraya section
In view of accidents at railway tracks claiming over 300 lives in 2022, authorities have swung into action. The Railway Protection Force (RPF), which is responsible for the protection of railway property — including issuing challans to trespassers — has identified the most accident-prone stretches on railway tracks and directed rail officials to take remedial measures.
RPF officials said despite registering over 2,000 cases against trespassers in 2022 by the Northern Division, regular incidents of train accidents were reported in the same stretch. The same was attributed to the dense population and presence of houses and several industrial units in the area.
In an analysis, officials said, it was found that as many as 176 accidents were reported on the 15-km stretch between Ludhiana to Sahnewal followed by Ludhiana-Goraya section.
An RPF official not wishing to be named said the rail staff has been directed to mandatorily blow whistles while crossing through the area which falls between the 360-375 railway km marker.
Officials said after implementation of the orders in December, they noted a significant decline in the number of accidents. In the exercise, the number of deaths per km was also identified. “The figures will be compared after a few months to gauge the impact,” he added.
Sharing further details, the official said the latest engines which have been introduced do not make a lot of noise — as a result of which trespassers do not get enough time to get off the tracks.
The officer said it was not practical to expect the RPF staff to be permanently deployed on the spot.
“If it turned successful in Ludhiana it would be implemented in the other areas as well. The RPF is conducting regular checking to make sure that the whistling is being done properly,” he added.
334 deaths recorded on tracks
GRP said as many as 334 deaths were recorded in 2022 in the vicinity of railway tracks in Ludhiana. Of these, as many as 246 were caused by rail accidents, 29 committed suicides and 57 died due to natural causes.
The deaths included a murder and a road accident, deputy superintendent of police (GRP) Balram Rana said, adding that the highest number of deaths — 101 were reported under the jurisdiction of Dhandari Kalan railway station.
GRP officials said that over 50% accidental deaths involved persons in an inebriated state, while some were using earphones while trespassing. The officials said many illegal establishments have sprung up near the railway tracks, further aggravating the issues during festivities.
Past incidents
In December, one person died while another lost his arm when crossing the railway tracks in the Abdullapur Basti area near the bus stand. The deceased worked at a knitting unit and were returning to their home.
In December 2022, three migrant labourers were mowed down by Shmata VD Katra to Kalka Express near Dhandari Kalan.
