So far, railways record 1,925 fatalities in 2016

MUMBAI: A recent survey undertaken by the railway officials revealed that most fatalities occurred while trespassing. In addition, statistics available with the

MUMBAI: A recent survey undertaken by the railway officials revealed that most fatalities occurred while trespassing. In addition, statistics available with the railways for the current year show that of the 3,908 accidents recorded, 1,925 were fatal. Officials said most of these accidents could have been averted had the trespassing being curtailed.

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“This is not a crime that commuters commit intentionally. However, lives are lost in accidents and hence we are pulling up offenders by increasing the number of crackdowns. But multiple campaigns are needed to curb trespassing,” said Anand Vijay Jha, senior divisional security commissioner, RPF (WR).

Officials said application of stringent penal provision against offenders, deployment of personnel and improving the infrastructure, which must go hand-in-hand, should be enough to act as deterrent for trespassers.

Currently, 959 RPF personnel of its total strength of 1,850 man the suburban section between Churchgate and Dahanu on the Western line. The rest cover the jurisdiction spanning up to Surat and Jalgaon.

TRAGEDIES

The Central line this year, whose network is more than twice of the Western line, recorded highest number of accidents so far. On the Central main, most mishaps (242) occurred between Kurla and Mulund. While 227 accidents (falling off the train) were recorded on the notorious Thane-Diva stretch. Besides, 227 died on the Kalyan-Kasara stretch. The lowest number of accidents (40) were recorded by the Karjat GRP. On Harbour line, the Vashi GRP registered the highest number of accidents (129) till date.

On the Western line, highest number of accidents (166) was reported by the Borivli GRP, while the lowest (26) was recorded by the Churchgate GRP.