Western Railways educate locals about dangers of cattle grazing near rail tracks

The RPF has been tasked with educating locals about the dangers of cattle grazing near rail tracks

Having faced back-to-back train-cattle collisions, particularly involving Vande Bharat Express, the railways has tasked the RPF with the responsibility of securing the railway properties. The RPF has identified various vulnerable locations and is asking villagers around the tracks to keep their cattle away and safe. The new semi-high-speed Mumbai-Ahmedabad train was damaged thrice in a month after running over cattle.

"Residents of villages near the railway lines where such incidents take place are being counselled not to let their cattle graze near the tracks. There are chances of the animals getting on the tracks and being run over by speeding trains. Also, dumping of garbage along the railway tracks is a problem, as it attracts cattle," Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Sumit Thakur said.

Also read: Cattle on tracks: 200 trains affected in first 9 days of Oct

"Instances of cattle being run over by trains have adversely affected rail operations, increasing the possibility of accidents, including derailments. This also endangers the safety of passengers and may lead to disruption of rail traffic and loss to rail property, etc. The RPF has stepped up awareness and sensitisation campaigns at all these locations. So far in 2022, they have conducted 1,023 awareness sessions at vulnerable locations. Besides, about 50 meetings have been conducted with sarpanchs of all villages near the railway tracks. The RPF is also working in close coordination with local administration and city police to prevent the movement of stray cattle near tracks," he said.

"Western Railway is also taking stringent action against people whose cattle are found moving on railway land/area. As per the provisions of the Railways Act, 1989, owners of cattle are liable to be punished under Sections 154 (endangering safety of persons travelling by railway by wilful act or omission, punishable with imprisonment of 1 year, or with fine or both) and 147 (trespass and refusal to desist from trespass, punishable with imprisonment of 6 months, or fine of Rs 1,000 or both)," he added.