2,311 railway track trespassing cases in two months in Bengaluru

The Railway Protection Force (RPF), Bengaluru division, registered 2,311 cases of trespassing on railway tracks and collected ₹11.57 lakh in fines over the past two months, as part of measures to prevent unauthorised entry onto tracks and improve passenger safety.

According to the RPF, crossing or entering railway tracks at unauthorised locations is dangerous, and constitutes an offence under Section 147 of the Railways Act, 1989. Those found trespassing are liable for punishment, including a fine as prescribed under the law.

South Western Railway (SWR) officials warned that track trespassing can result in serious injuries or fatalities. “It can also lead to inconvenience for passengers and disruption to railway operations,” an official said.

On September 3, the RPF appealed to passengers and people in general to avoid crossing or entering railway tracks at stations and other railway premises. Passengers have been advised against attempting to cross tracks even when a train is stationary on a platform.

Instead, passengers should use designated facilities at railway stations to move between platforms, including foot overbridges (FOBs), lifts, escalators, and designated pedestrian crossings or passages.

The RPF and railway authorities are continuing enforcement measures against track trespassing while undertaking awareness campaigns to educate passengers and people in general about the dangers and legal consequences of entering railway tracks without authorisation.

According to an official, “Enforcement action would continue against those found violating the law. We urge people to follow safety rules and use the designated facilities available at railway stations to cross from one platform to another.”