Mumbai: The Central Railway’s ‘Mission Zero Death’ initiative has led to a notable reduction in railway-related fatalities and injuries, according to an official.
From January to October 2024, the number of ‘Death on Tracks’ incidents fell by 14%, from 2,755 cases in the same period last year to 2,388, the official said. Incidents of injuries decreased by 10%, from 1,352 to 1,211 cases; overall, the total number of incidents (deaths and injuries) decreased by 13%, from 4,107 in 2023 to 3,599 in 2024, he said.
Trespassing Remains A Major Contributor
Trespassing remains a major contributor to these incidents. According to CR, more than 50% of the fatalities (1,210 out of 2,388 deaths) during the first 10 months of 2024 were linked to trespassing, which also accounted for nearly 40% (1,429 cases) of all incidents. Many of these incidents resulted in severe injuries, with approximately 18% of the cases involving limb loss.
Other significant causes of railway accidents include falling from moving trains (653 cases), falling into the gap between the platform and the train (91 cases), and incidents attributed to suicides, electric shocks and natural causes such as heart attacks, which together contributed to 1,423 cases.
Asked about decline in deaths on railway tracks, the official highlighted the implementation of both short-term and long-term measures aimed at enhancing safety.
About The Short-Term Measures
Short-term measures focus on immediate interventions to prevent accidents. These include the deployment of Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel at high-risk locations, construction of boundary walls in trespass-prone areas, particularly in the Mumbai Division, and the removal of encroachments along the tracks. Awareness campaigns are also being carried out by the RPF in vulnerable areas. The strict enforcement of the Railway Act, with penalties for trespassing under Section 147, is being paired with the installation of fencing at platform ends and whistle boards at identified black spots to deter unsafe behaviour.
“On the long-term front, Central Railway is working on infrastructure upgrades such as widening existing platforms, building new platforms, and developing foot over bridges and subways to ensure safer crossings. Additionally, non-AC suburban trains in Mumbai are being replaced with closed door AC locals, and escalators and lifts are being installed to minimise the risk of trespassing between platforms,” the official said.
Apart from that a media campaign is also in place to educate commuters on safer travel practices, aiming to shift commuter behaviour over time.
“To further address the issue, the railway has been promoting initiatives to reduce peak-time congestion, such as staggering office hours in Mumbai. Public outreach efforts also include distributing safety pamphlets, conducting counselling through banners, and organising street plays (nukkad nataks) themed around ‘Yamraj and Chitragupta’ to highlight the dangers of trespassing’ the official added.
