T sees sharp rise in deaths on rly tracks
Hyderabad: Rail-related accidents in Telangana have reached alarming proportions, with an average of three fatalities reported daily. The growing frequency of such incidents has become a major concern for railway safety authorities in the state.
According to railway crime records, over 1,300 individuals lost their lives in rail related incidents across Telangana in 2024. These incidents were primarily due to trespassing, crossing tracks dangerously, using mobile phones, and falling from moving trains, officials say.
Accidental deaths—one of three categories in death cases—have risen sharply, rising from 408 in 2021 to 735 in 2024. Already,
460 fatalities have been recorded on the tracks in the first four months of this year alone, with suspicious deaths and suicides contributing to 186 of them.
"In Telangana, most fatal accidents occur in suburban sections, particularly near stations with MMTS services. The primary reason is passengers opting to cross the tracks instead of using foot over bridges, often in haste. Accidents also occur when individuals misjudge the speed of oncoming trains while boarding or alighting, leading to serious injuries or death."
Craze for selfies, reels
"More recently, youngsters have been spotted climbing onto train rooftops to shoot social media reels or dangerously positioning themselves near moving trains," said a senior South Central Railway official.
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Additionally, suicide attempts are a grim contributor. "When someone appears in front of a moving train, even if the driver applies brakes, the train needs nearly a kilometre to come to a complete stop—making it nearly impossible to avert a fatal accident," the official added.
Authorities have also raised concerns about passengers seated near the doors or steps of coaches—particularly during night journeys—being at risk of accidentally falling off due to drowsiness.
Travellers are advised to stay alert and avoid leaning too close to the doors, especially during overnight travel. Data from National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) further highlights the extent of the problem. Over 70% of railway accidents nationwide involve passengers either falling from trains or being struck while crossing tracks.
In 2022 alone, India recorded 23,139 railway accidents, resulting in 2,457 injuries and 20,792 fatalities. Trespassing on railway tracks and bid to board or alight from moving trains, is not only life-threatening but also a criminal offence. Under Section 147 of the Railways Act, 1989, trespassers may face jail for up to six months, fine of 1,000, or both.
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