In a bid to ensure passenger safety and minimize train delays caused by cattle run-overs, Eastern Railway has issued a high-alert notification regarding trespassing on railway tracks. With the increasing frequency of high-speed trains like Vande Bharat, even a minor intrusion on the tracks can lead to catastrophic accidents. The railway authorities have now clarified that tracks are strictly restricted zones and any unauthorized entry will be dealt with an iron fist.

Legal Consequences Under Section 147: As per the Railway Act of 1989, trespassing on railway property is a non-bailable offense. Under Section 147, anyone found walking on the tracks or crossing them unauthorizedly can face up to six months of imprisonment and/or a fine of ₹1,000. Eastern Railway has instructed the Railway Protection Force (RPF) to escalate patrolling and arrest violators on the spot without prior warnings.

Strict Action Against Cattle Owners: The biggest challenge for the railways remains stray cattle on the tracks. Eastern Railway has addressed cattle owners living near railway lines, warning them that they will be held criminally liable if their livestock wanders onto the tracks. Such incidents not only result in the loss of animal life but also cause severe damage to the train’s nose cone and engine components, leading to massive financial losses and schedule disruptions.

Safety First Initiative: “Railway tracks are not grazing grounds or walking paths. They are specialized infrastructure meant solely for train movement,” stated a senior Eastern Railway official. To curb this menace, the railways are planning to install more fencing in vulnerable areas and use drone surveillance to identify frequent trespassing points.

The message from the railways is loud and clear: Do not treat the tracks as your personal property. Public cooperation is essential to maintain the speed and safety of the Indian Railway network.