Dial Helpline to inform about unauthorized movement near rail tracks: ECoR

Bhubaneswar: In the wake of Aurangabad mishap, in which at least 16 migrant labourers were  crushed to death by an empty goods train while they were sleeping on the railway tracks yesterday, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has advised all staff to alert official concerned in case they come across people walking on or along the railway tracks unauthorizedly.

The ECoR has also issued a RPF Security Helpline -182 to be used to convey information regarding unauthorized persons to be found on or near the tracks.

“Although passenger trains have been suspended due to COVID-19 outbreak, goods trains and parcel express trains are continuously running on all routes to maintain supply of essential commodities across the country. Recently Shramik special trains have also been started and many such trains are running in ECoR jurisdiction also. So walking on the tracks or on rail lines is extremely dangerous and strictly prohibited,” said a statement issued by the ECoR.

Besides, trackmen, bridge repair staff, station masters, overhead electric repairs staff, RPF staff and other railwaymen have been alerted to prevent and report if any such trespassing is observed, the statement added.

“Many a time, it is seen that people put their lives at risk while crossing the lines. This practice is prohibited and also punishable under Section 147 of the Railways Act. As per rule, nobody should cross or walk along the track unauthorisedly. Trespassers will be prosecuted as per the law,” the ECoR stated.