Recurring Tragedy: Railway Probe Urges Fencing for Safety in Firozabad

A recent railway probe in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, after five deaths from train accidents in one day, recommends fencing tracks. People cross tracks illegally, avoiding foot-over-bridges, leading to frequent fatalities. Officials highlight the urgency for preventive measures to curb these recurring Man-Run-Over (MRO) incidents.

A railway probe, initiated after three individuals were fatally struck by trains within 30 minutes near Firozabad station in Uttar Pradesh on October 1, has advocated for the installation of fencing along railway tracks. The report highlights people's tendency to eschew foot-over-bridges in favor of risky, illegal track crossings.

Between 7 pm and 7:35 pm on the said day, the New Delhi-Ranchi Garib Rath Express, New Delhi-Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express, and Howrah Rajdhani Express, consecutively ran over three individuals at almost the same location. Two more fatalities were reported the same day around Firozabad.

The station area in Firozabad is notorious for frequent Man-Run-Over (MRO) incidents, with 5-10 people typically falling victim each month. The probe revealed that the area's population is bifurcated by the railway lines, with residential zones on one side and industrial and market areas on the other. Lack of fencing and numerous openings in existing boundary walls contribute to this hazard.

Recommendations from the probe include establishing fencing on the north side and sealing all openings on the south side to reduce MRO cases. Despite ongoing educational campaigns, locals persist in dangerous crossing practices, contributing to a high fatality rate. Eleven individuals were killed in September alone, a severe statistic that underscores the need for urgent action.

(With inputs from agencies.)