'Levy tougher fines, instruct kids in civic duties'

MUMBAI: Stricter rules need to implemented and awareness campaigns bolstered if track-crossing has to be checked completely, say railway officials.
"There are rules in place, but they should be implemented more strictly. Also, levying higher fines and putting offenders behind bars more often would work as an effective deterrent," said a Western Railway (WR) official.
An official who is involved in getting the Scouts and Guides wing of WR to participate in anti-trespassing campaigns said that the hazards of track-crossing should be taught in schools.
"There are FOBs, ROBs and subways. Yet, people jostle, push and shove during peak hours. Whenever we went to stations with banners for our campaigns, people stopped breaking rules. But that was temporary. Most commuters are rude and even push kids," said the WR official.
"The campaigns have been successful only to an extent. As soon we leave, people go back to their old ways. They just don't care. There is a need for stricter rules and more community participation," she added.