The railways are tightening vigilance against dangerous track crossings

All major railway stations under Palakkad division will be subjected to frequent inspection to prevent dangerous crossing of tracks by passengers. | Photo credit: K. Ragesh

The Railway Protection Corps (RPF) and State Railway Police (GRP) will initiate strict legal action against those who dangerously cross railway tracks without using footbridges, escalators or other authorized facilities at stations under Palakkad division. The move comes in the wake of repeated complaints by locomotive pilots about unsafe practices at stations in north Kerala.

According to RPF sources, more than 50 passengers were recently caught red-handed at the Kozhikode railway station for ignoring security instructions. Strict instructions have been issued to patrolling units to identify such passengers immediately and initiate legal action to discourage the practice.

“At Kozhikode station, we have noticed the dangerous practice of passengers crossing railway tracks to quickly board general coaches. This is happening on the other side of the coach where there is no platform,” said a senior RPF officer. He pointed out that there were instances of passengers jumping onto the tracks to rush to the other platform when they saw the train.

The RPF and GRP units also recorded attempts by passengers to cross multiple tracks without using authorized platform connecting devices. Migrant workers reportedly make up the majority of those who say they were unaware of the rules when caught breaking safety regulations. According to officials, women and elderly passengers are also among those risking their lives by recklessly crossing the tracks.

In Kozhikode district, round-the-clock surveillance will be enhanced at Kozhikode, Koyilandy, Vadakara and Payyoli stations. Other head stations in Palakkad, Malappuram, Kannur and Kasaragod districts will also be under surveillance by patrolling units.

“Senior railway officials are monitoring the CCTV footage to ensure that enforcement is done properly and offenders are tracked down. There will be no concession for anyone under the heightened security measures,” said a GRP officer. He added that reckless encroachment of tracks at other accident-prone places was also under the scanner as directed by higher authorities.

Meanwhile, several detained passengers complained that they did not receive accurate platform information online regarding the arrival and departure of certain trains. According to them, last-minute changes in platform numbers, which differed from the information available on the internet, forced passengers to recklessly cross tracks instead of using footbridges or lifts.

“The RailOne app often displays incorrect platform information, causing considerable inconvenience to passengers waiting at a particular platform with their luggage. A last-minute announcement of a platform change can naturally cause panic,” said a passenger who was recently fined for recklessly crossing the tracks. He added that railway stations should have better digital display systems to provide timely and accurate information to passengers.

Published – 10 Sep 2026 07:00 IST