The burgeoning commuter population coupled with inadequate infrastructure is giving the Railways a tough time keeping city’s lifelines on track. Mumbai Railway Commissioner Ashok Sharma speaks to DNA about deaths due to rail accidents and the measures being taken to ensure commuter safety
What has led to an increase in railway accidents?
Most of the accidents occur when people try to cross the railway tracks. This is illegal and the offenders are fined regularly, but this hasn’t deterred people from risking their lives.
What precautions are being taken to bring down the death rate?
We have asked the Central and the Western railway authorities to fence the railway premises and close all illegal entries. We have also requested them to increase the height of some platforms, including the one at Sandhurst Road, to avoid incidents of commuters falling in the gap between the train and the platform.
What is being done to increase policing at railway stations?
Though the police are doing their best to curb accidents and crime inside railway premises, there is still room for improvement. Currently, we have a staff of 3,650 personnel who maintain a round the clock vigil at stations in the city. But this number is insufficient to handle Mumbai’s commuter load. We have vacancies and hope to fill them up by the next month.
How are you ensuring security at stations following the Ahmedabad and Bangalore blasts?
Security has been beefed up at all stations. Sophisticated scanning devices, including closed circuit televisions and cameras have been installed at stations across the city to keep unscrupulous elements at bay.
