South Western Railway conducts awareness campaign warning people not to risk their lives

Mysore/Mysuru: Despite the elimination of unmanned level crossings and repeated warnings from Railway Police and authorities, the dangerous practice of trespassing on Railway tracks persists in various parts of the city. This hazardous behaviour continues unabated, often leading to tragic consequences.

Under Section 147 of the Railways Act, crossing Railway tracks is a punishable offence. Unfortunately, this law is frequently ignored, with many people risking their lives daily.

Alarmingly, incidents of individuals crossing tracks while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs are particularly prevalent. Additionally, the reckless habit of wearing headphones while crossing tracks further exacerbates the risk.

DRM leads drive

To combat this ongoing issue, the Mysuru Division of South Western Railway marked the 16th International Level Crossing Awareness Day yesterday with a dedicated awareness drive. This initiative, led by Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Shilpi Agarwal aimed to educate road users about crucial safety measures at level crossing gates to prevent accidents and save lives.

Held at Level Crossing (LC) Gate No. 5 near Golden Landmark Hotel on KRS Road, the campaign underscored the vital yet perilous nature of level crossings. The DRM highlighted the importance of adhering to safety protocols, such as maintaining controlled speeds when approaching crossings and strictly following gate signals.

She emphasised the grave dangers of using mobile phones while driving, particularly near the level crossings and urged compliance with all road signage to enhance safety.

“The role of Gate-men is critical,” she said, urging the public not to pressure them into opening gates prematurely. “They are following essential safety instructions to protect everyone. It’s crucial to respect height restrictions at level crossings and road under bridges, especially with the recent electrification of 25,000 Kilo Volts, which significantly increases safety risks.”

What does the law say?

The DRM also warned against placing materials on or near railway tracks, noting that such actions endanger train passengers and are punishable under Section 154 of the Railways Act. She reiterated that trespassing on Railway premises or tracks is a punishable offence under Section 147 of the Railway Act.

The Mysuru Division’s awareness drive, running from June 6 to June 12, aims to reach residents near the 231 level crossing gates in the region. The goal is to foster a culture of safety and caution among road users, thereby reducing the risk  of accidents.

This initiative reflects the Mysuru Division of South Western Railway’s commitment to safeguarding lives and enhancing the safety of rail-road intersections. By educating the public and enforcing strict adherence to safety measures, the Division hopes to significantly reduce the number of accidents and fatalities at level crossings.