RPF launches awareness campaign to curb rail runovers

Kochi: In a proactive bid to cut rising number of rail-related fatalities, railway protection force (RPF) initiated a “rapid-response” public awareness programme. Under this novel initiative, trained RPF personnel conduct intensive safety campaigns in the immediate vicinity of accident spots within hours of a mishap occurring.

The idea behind the timing is to leverage the “shock factor” of a recent incident to drive home the reality of railway hazards. By visiting the area when the event is still fresh in the community’s mind, RPF aims to dismantle the casual approach many people take toward trespassing.

“Often, runovers happen due to a lack of vigilance, victims crossing unmanned gates or trespassing into railway premises to save time,” said a senior RPF official.

“Using loudspeakers and mobile units, within a 3-km radius of the site, we make the public realize that these aren’t just statistics, and they are preventable tragedies,” he added.

A significant reason for these accidents is the use of mobile phones, which creates a “cognitive tunnel” where victims fail to hear or see approaching trains. This is notably prevalent among migrant labourers in coastal areas like Aroor. RPF has identified Thrissur, Aluva and Kollam as the highest-risk regions.

Another factor for the runovers is trespassing on railway premises of smaller stations for easy access to the other side. “For instance, Thirunettor railway station has turned into an accident spot. In such locations, trains often exceed 100kmph on curved tracks, leaving pedestrians with zero visibility and no time for reflex actions. The campaign will focus on that too,” he said.

In 2025, the division registered 609 cases, resulting in 457 deaths and 162 injuries. Trespassing alone accounted for 456 of those incidents.

In 2026 so far, there have been 135 cases and 96 deaths. RPF hopes the localized campaigning will break “the cycle of negligence”.

“The message is clear — a shortcut across the tracks or a momentary distraction on a phone is never worth the ultimate price. Hence one should exercise vigil near railway tracks,” said the official.