Deaths on tracks on Central Railway reduced by 14% between January and October

Central Railway's Mission Zero Death initiative has significantly reduced track fatalities. Deaths decreased by 14% compared to the same period last year, with trespassing identified as the leading cause. The railway has implemented various preventative measures, including awareness campaigns, infrastructure improvements, and collaborations with other departments, resulting in a 13% decrease in total incidents.

MUMBAI: Central Railway 's efforts to minimise fatalities on tracks as part of Mission Zero Death yielded favourable results. The number of cases of "Death on tracks" reduced considerably by 367 cases (14%)—from 2,755 cases from January to October 2023 to 2,388 cases from January to October 2024, latest statistics released on Saturday revealed. Of the 2,388 cases of death on tracks, 1,210 cases are attributed to trespassing, which constitutes more than 50%.

Many of these cases of trespassing also result in grievous injuries, including the loss of limb or limbs, which is approximately 18%. Other causes of death or injuries on tracks encompass 653 cases due to falling from moving trains, 91 cases due to falling in the gap between the platform and train, and 1,423 cases due to other causes like suicide, death by electric shocks, and death due to natural causes like heart attacks and illness, the statistics indicated. The number of injured in these incidents also decreased by 141 (10%)—from 1,352 cases from January to October 2023 to 1,211 cases from January to October 2024.

The total number of incidents reduced by 508 cases (13%), an official stated. A senior official said, "Central Railway has made concerted efforts to reduce such incidents by conducting a wide range of awareness campaigns such as deputing RPF staff at critical blackspots or sections for trespass control, construction of boundary walls in trespass sections (mostly in suburban areas, especially Mumbai Division), removal of encroachment on railway boundaries, near railway tracks, and awareness programmes by RPF with other departments in trespass areas." Some of the other long-term measures include platform widening, construction of new platforms, FOBs, subways, plans to replace non-AC with AC local trains, escalators and lifts to avoid trespassing, and scattered office working hours to reduce peak time rush, said CR chief spokesperson Swapnil Nila.

An RPF official said that the distribution of pamphlets, counselling through banners, and street plays were being conducted regularly..