Picture used for representational purpose only
MUMBAI: Accidental deaths on railways in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region started to climb as the city unlocked and more categories of passengers were permitted to board local trains. From 558 deaths in January-March 2020, fatalities had dipped to 115 in April-July, and more than doubled to 314 in August-November. Though locals were not operational from March 22 till mid-June, fatalities continued to occur in this period, largely due to trespassers getting knocked down by goods trains or workmen specials. Track-crossing contributed to 64% of all 987 deaths this year and remained the leading cause of rail accidents.
“Fatalities are unlikely to reduce drastically unless a complete compound wall or fencing comes up, bordering the tracks throughout Central and Western lines,” said GRP commissioner Ravindra Sengaonkar. Earlier this year, two teenagers Akash Rathod and Chhotu Chauhan died after being knocked down by a train at Dahisar