At least 19 people and five cattle have been crushed to death in the last two years on 137-kilometer long Baramulla-Banihal railway tracks, said official figures.
The data accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) revealed that in 2021, ten people were crushed to death in man-run-over (MRO) accidents on the different rail tracks of Baramulla-Banihal railway line. “Since this year 2022 (March to 31st December), nine people lost their lives in the accidents that took place on the tracks,” it said.
The figures said regarding the cattle-run-over (CRO) accidents on the track, three cattle were killed in the year 2021. “In 2022 (March to till date), two cattle were also crushed to death on the tracks,” the figures added.
“Following the three back-to-back train accidents on railway tracks this year in February month, Northern Railways, Kashmir has issued an advisory in public interest”
“Trespassing across railway tracks is a punishable offence. Under section of 147 of Indian Railways Act, trespassing across railway tracks is punishable offence with a penalty of imprisonment upto 6 months and or fine upto Rs 1000. Cross only by using Foot Over Bridges/Subways” the advisory stated.
Talking to KNO, Chief Area Manager (CAM), Northern Railways, Kashmir, Saqib Yousuf, said people should avoid walking on railway tracks.
“Kindly don’t walk on tracks, cross tracks at proper fobs and underpasses”, he said adding they see many using earphones while crossing railway tracks and requested people to refrain from doing so.
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Regarding the measures taken by the railways department, he said their frontline staff, especially trackmen, gang men continuously counsel people about walking or crossing tracks. “People should avoid these illegal activities as crossing and walking on tracks is a crime under the Railway Act”, he added.
