While the Amritsar train tragedy that claimed 61 lives is making people gasp in horror, the number of trespassing casualties in the last three years is not a pretty picture. In the last 33 months, 4,661 citizens have lost their lives only because they chose to cross tracks and not take the foot over bridges. What makes us hopeful is that the figure of deaths has reduced in the last 3 years.

Crossing railway tracks at unmarked places, apart from being dangerous is also illegal. Unauthorised trespassing on railway premises, including the track, is a punishable offence under Section 147 of the Railways Act, 1989. However, people avoid foot-over-bridges (FOBs) or manned crossing-gates to take a shortcut and lose life in the process.

As per figures collated by the Government Railway Police (GRP), this year between January to September, 1,212 have lost their lives on railway tracks after being hit by trains. Trespassing accounts for 65-70 per cent of total deaths on track. As per figures, of the total number of death, only 11-12 per cent constitute women. 1064 men and 148 women fell victim to accidents as they tried crossing tracks.

The figures state that more people have died in the Central Railway (CR) than in the Western Railway (WR). The number of deaths reported in the CR is 777; of these maximum incidents are reported from Thane, Dombivali and Kurla. Every year, over 200 people die after being caught between wheels of trains while crossing tracks in Thane and Kalyan. In the WR, 435 deaths were reported with Borivali, Vasai and Palghar being the most trespassed stations.

Accidents have also been reported in the mid-sections, i.e. between two railway stations. The railway officials state that illegal settlements along the tracks contribute to most accidents on mid-sections.

"We keep removing encroachers from time to time. However, the local politicians back these illegal encroachments; thus, we have stopped the drive," said a railway official.

However, the death toll is decreasing with each passing year. In 2016, 1798 lost their lives in train accidents. This dropped to 1651 in 2017.

"It is not just the Railways but also state government, local corporators, MLAs and people organisations that need to spread awareness about trespassing. The Railways can mull increasing the imprisonment term and fines too," said Subhash Gupta, president, Rail Yatri Sangh.

The Railways can levy fines of Rs 1000 or imprison them for 6 months under section 147 of the Indian Railways Act. A few years ago, the rail authorities had started a campaign of giving roses to people who trespass and cross tracks to reach platforms. However, even now people continue to ignore the appeals made over passenger announcement systems and cross tracks to save a few minutes.