WR Yamraj campaign become a hit

7% decrease in deaths and 30% decrease in injuries due to trespassing
recorded

After the huge success and popularity of ‘Plastic Hatela’ and the
Plastic Garba song ‘Plastic Ko No Bolo’ social awareness campaigns, another
unique initiative “Yamraj Abhiyan” by Western Railway become a hit among the
masses. 

In order to spread awareness among Mumbaikars against the dangerous and
fatal social evil of crossing the railway tracks, this unique “Yamraj Abhiyan”
is being run by Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Western Railway. It is being
well received by the passengers and is gathering accolades on social media as
well.  It is worth mentioning that with regular campaigns against
trespassing by RPF, in the current financial year, deaths occurred due to
trespassing has decreased by 7% and cases of injuries have decreased by 30%
over Western Railway’s Mumbai Suburban section in comparison to previous year
upto the month of September.

According to a press release issued by WR CPRO Ravinder Bhakar, a
detailed survey of locations, vulnerable path was conducted by RPF Mumbai
Division of Western Railway. Banners indicating number of deaths in vulnerable
location were displayed and passengers were made aware about the penal actions
of trespassing. Awareness program were also organised in association with NGOs
to prevent trespass at vulnerable locations. This lead to ideation of sending a
strong message against trespassing. The innovative idea of a person dressed
like Yamraj and team of RPF staff  began creating awareness against
trespassing and visited vulnerable trespass locations was developed. 

The team created awareness by announcing “Yamraj will take the
trespassers and hence no one should cross the track”. The team also travelled
in trains and conducted awareness programs. This team visited Dadar, Matunga
road, Mahim, Bandra, Vile parley, Jogeshwari, Andheri, Goregaon Malad,
Kandivali, Dahisar, Mira Road, Bhyindar, Vasai, Nalasopara and Virar stations.
It is worth observing that under the intensive drives conducted by RPF, a total
of 13,463 persons have been prosecuted in 2019 under the Railway Act which is
30% more than previous year. 

Mumbai suburban section in which lakhs of passengers travel every day is
vulnerable for trespass deaths as the passengers walk along the track and cross
the track carelessly. Western Railway also requests their passengers not to
trespass and putting their lives in danger.