Soon, a mobile game that teaches railway commuters not to trespass

A recent report stated that 19,868 (59%) of the 33,445 deaths on suburban section occurred owing to line crossing or trespassing on the tracks

To prevent accidents on the suburban railway tracks, the Western Railway (WR) will launch a five-month long anti-trespassing campaign from February 16.

People will be able to download the game on their phones by June. (HT File Photo)

To create awareness among young commuters, especially students, the railway plans to launch a game, which people will be able to download on their phones by June.

In the game, players following rules at suburban stations — such as taking authorised entries and exits, using foot-over bridges and escalators and not alighting from running trains — will be awarded points. Points will be deducted if players flout norms.

Trespassing has long been a serious concern for the railways, with a recent comptroller and auditor general (CAG) report stating that 19,868 (59%) of the 33,445 deaths on suburban section occurred owing to line crossing or trespassing on the tracks.

The railway plans to implement infrastructure to reduce trespassing.

However, commuters criticised the move, saying more serious measures were required. “This is not child’s play. The lives of commuters are at stake. The railways should construct more foot-over bridges and prioritise the installation of more escalators if they want to reduce trespassing,” said Rohit Das, Borivli resident.

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