The safety drive launched by the Mysuru Division of South Western Railway is focused on creating public awareness against trespassing on railway tracks.
The drive, which will go on for a fortnight and launched on Friday, stems from the emerging tendency of people glued to their mobile handsets while trespassing on the railway track which only adds to the danger.
This aspect was also highlighted by the Divisional Railway Manager Rahul Agarwal who appealed to the public to be cautious while crossing the railway track and LC gates as any negligence could lead to fatal mishaps on tracks endangering the lives of hundreds of others. He underlined the fact that the use of earphones makes the pedestrian or the driver oblivious to the approaching vehicle and greatly reduces their reaction time to respond to any emergent situation.
Similarly, there is the tendency among passengers to jump on the tracks to cross over to another platform unmindful of the dangers. Mr. Agarwal appealed to the passengers to always use foot overbridges and subways while crossing the railway tracks.
The authorities will also highlight the fact that any unauthorised trespassing on railway premises, including the railway track, is a punishable offence under Sec. 147 of the Railways Act, 1989, and any contravention of the rules will result in prosecution.
As part of the fortnight campaign, the Railway Protection Force, Railway Safety Officers and staff assisted by Bharat Scouts and Guides will be involved in educating the passengers and local people residing near railway tracks to ensure safe train operations as well as looking after their safety at level crossing gates, railway track passing through their habitation, stations premises, avoiding unauthorised crossing of railway track by pedestrians and vehicles, keeping away livestock from track etc.
Large banners and posters will also be displayed at prominent locations in various stations across the division and regular announcement will be made to educate the public against trespassing and the consequences of using earphones and cell phones in the vicinity of railway tracks.
