The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has strengthened safety measures by increasing track patrolling at vulnerable locations during peak hours and intensifying community awareness initiatives to prevent accidents in Tiruchi Railway Division.

It has carried out a comprehensive review of track-related incidents over the past three years to identify high-risk periods, sensitive locations, affected train services and key contributing factors, with the aim of enhancing preventive measures and operational efficiency, according to a press release from the Tiruchi Railway Division.

The study has indicated that stone pelting cases occur mainly during evening hours between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., particularly in Valadi–Srirangam, Tiruchi Junction–Srirangam, Valadi–Lalgudi, Ariyalur–Sillakkudi, Vriddhachalam Junction–Talanallur, Thiruthuraiyur–Panruti, Tiruppadirippuliyur–Nellikuppam and Kumbakonam–Aduthurai sections.

The incidents have been largely attributed to school children and residents living near the railway track and, in some cases, the offenders have been found to be under the influence of alcohol.

Train No. 20665/20666 Chennai Egmore–Tirunelveli–Chennai Egmore Vande Bharat Express services and Train No. 22676 Tiruchchirappalli–Chennai Egmore Chozhan Superfast Express are among the trains frequently affected.

Cases of human trespass and run-over are largely reported between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., particularly in Srirangam–Golden Rock, Srirangam–Valadi and Thanjavur Junction–Alakudi sections. The incidents mainly arise from unauthorised and careless crossing of the railway track. Cattle run-over incidents are mainly caused by grazing close to the track.

Based on the findings, the RPF has intensified safety initiatives to enhance protection of passengers, railway assets and minimise track-related incidents. As part of the initiative, around 20 awareness programmes are being conducted daily across the division – close to railway premises and in educational institutions.

Awareness banners highlighting the dangers of trespassing, stone pelting and cattle movement near tracks have also been installed at sensitive locations. Due to these sustained measures, incidents of stone pelting and human run-over have shown a decline. With cattle run-over cases increasing, focused action has now been strengthened to address this concern.

The RPF has appealed to the general public to desist from trespassing on the railway track and keep away livestock from the railway track. Stone pelting on trains is a serious offence, it has pointed out and urged members of the public to report any suspicious or unsafe activity to the nearest RPF personnel, railway staff, or the Railway Helpline Number 139.