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.