In response to the alarming rise in crossing incidents, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) have come up with strict measures to curb reckless crossing of railway tracks under Palakkad division of Southern Railways. Squads are now carrying out intensive blitz checks around major railway stations following reports of an increasing number of offences, some of which have resulted in fatal accidents.
The police officers said that immediate legal action under Section 147 of the Railways Act would be taken against those who are carelessly moving near the tracks. Troops have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance, particularly in vulnerable sections, while CCTV surveillance is being stepped up to ensure any trespassers are identified.
A GRP inspector involved in the intensified checks said that a significant section of the sloppy section is made up of “educated and well-informed” persons. He added that the police have no choice but to take tough action against such irresponsible behavior. Many migrant workers who frequently travel between states continue to rush across the tracks instead of using footbridges, lifts or escalators.
According to police sources, around five deaths, including suspected suicides, have occurred near Vadakara in the last one-and-a-half months. Among the victims were a hearing-impaired man and woman, whose tragic death was followed by her grieving father. In another incident on November 7, a patrol squad rescued a youth found on the tracks under suspicious circumstances. Their timely action based on a tip-off saved him just moments before the arrival of the Vande Bharat Express.
To reduce recurring incidents, the local police decided to conduct regular patrols on vulnerable sections of the track within their jurisdiction. Authorities are also looking to work with residents’ forums to strengthen community oversight. A trader from Kallayi in Kozhikode says many students continue to casually cross the tracks during their daily commute and some even try to take risky photos for social media. He complains that several dangerous sections remain unguarded as calls for safety measures have gone unheeded.
In response to the increasing number of accidents, various rail user forums have also highlighted the need for additional safety measures, including more surveillance cameras in high-risk zones. They also call for the reactivation of groups of residents to ensure rapid human intervention in the event of detection of dangerous pedestrian movements.
Meanwhile, railway sources confirm that talks are underway to introduce advanced surveillance measures along the tracks securing clearance from the central government. RPF officials are also expected to organize new meetings with residents’ forum officials for support and conduct more regional awareness programs aimed at promoting safe behavior near railway premises.
Published – 29 Nov 2025 21:33 IST
