Cops to teach kids about railway safety

After receiving complaints of schoolchildren placing stones and coins on railway tracks, which pose a serious threat to commuters’ safety, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has decided to launch a drive in schools sensitising children about the consequences of such mischief.

After receiving complaints of schoolchildren placing stones and coins on railway tracks, which pose a serious threat to commuters’ safety, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has decided to launch a drive in schools sensitising children about the consequences of such mischief.

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A delegation of motormen recently met Alok Bohra, senior divisional security commissioner of the RPF, Central Railway, appealing to him to increase patrolling along the tracks to put an end to this ‘fun’ activity.

The RPF has chalked out a plan to visit schools near the railway tracks and speak to the children.

“We are also in process of identifying locations where these incidents take place and increase patrolling post-school hours. Children also need parental guidance for which we will ask schools to take initiative,” Bohra said.

The motormen on CR are worried as children placing stones or coins on railway tracks pose a serious threat. “It becomes stressful for a motorman after he spots kids placing objects on the tracks. At times, he has to apply brakes at high speed,” said Ashok Kumar Changrani, assistant general secretary of the Central Railway Majdoor Sangh (CRMS).

According to motormen, a few spots where schoolchildren carry out such mischievous activities are: Kopri Bridge in Thane, Mulund, Kurla, Govandi, Chembur and Mankhurd.

“The stone breaks when the train passes over it and the splinter can hit a passenger. Any damage to the crossings can lead to a disaster,” said a motorman.