Passengers are fined but railway staff violate its own rules to cross railway tracks

Ferozepur June 14, 2017:  Numbers of employees were seen crossing the railway track at Ferozepur Cantt railway station, which is punishable offence, under the Indian Railway Act but when Uttar Railway Mazdoor Union – URMU – leader from Ludhian – B.C.Sharma, General Secretary, had come to address the employees at railway platform No.1.

Crossing the railway track is an offence and the offenders had to pay a fine but when it comes for railway staff itself, there is no rule as the railway authorities’ claim that the point men, ticket collectors and the public relation officer have number of employees were seen crossing the railway tracks special permission to cross the railway tracks.

One such incident was seen at the Ferozepur Cantt railway station when URMU – Uttar Railway Men’s Union leader had come to address the divisional office employees on formation of new union office and office bearers.  The moment he landed on the railway station, platform No.3, number of employees crossed the railway track to reach at platform No.1, where the arrangements for his address to the union members were made.  However, the union leader along with some employees came via over bridge.

The officials crossing the tracks today were not on any of such duty but had come to listen to the leader of the union.

As per Section 147 of the Indian Railway Act, if any person enters any part of the railway property without lawful authority, he can be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or can be fined up to Rs.1,000, or both.

But today what was seen, indicates that rules and regulations about crossing railway tracks are only meant for passengers who purchase ticket and end up paying the find as well. But when  it comes to the railway station, neither is action taken nor any warning given for the same.

When talked to the RPF sleuth, he said, the passengers should cross only using Foot Over Bridges (FoB) or Subways, to avoid any untoward incident while crossing from the railway tracks.  It may save your time but sometimes it can take your life also.

A railway official said action against illegal crossing of tracks is part of checking at all the stations but such drives are not aimed at imposing fines but to warn passengers not to get involved in the dangerous task of crossing of tracks and put their lives in risk.

Another official said, every year more than 700 people are killed while crossing the railway tracks, but it is important for people to understand that they should not cross the railway tracks.

A study of railway accidents had revealed that nearly 60% deaths on tracks were trespassing-related.

DRM Ferozepur, Vivek Kumar and RPF Commandant could not be contacted despite calling on phone.