Bhubaneswar, Nov 15 : The East Coast Railway (ECoR) on Wednesday launched a comprehensive drive to prevent mishaps and enhance the safety of railway operations.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has taken proactive measures, including engaging with local communities, sensitizing train crews, and identifying vulnerable locations prone to cattle run-over incidents.
In an effort to engage local communities, ECoR has initiated counseling sessions for villagers, emphasizing the need for preventative measures to keep cattle away from railway tracks. Safety seminars and propaganda campaigns in villages are being conducted to educate residents about the dangers of allowing animals to roam near the tracks.
A key aspect of the campaign is discouraging the dumping of food waste along the railway tracks, as it attracts animals and increases the likelihood of them congregating in the vicinity. This measure aims to create an environment that minimizes the attraction of wildlife to railway infrastructure.
Since the commencement of the campaign in 2021, ECoR has conducted a staggering 2492 awareness drives, demonstrating a sustained commitment to preventing cattle run-over incidents. Authorities have registered 17 cases and apprehended six individuals in connection with these incidents in the current year itself.
In an assertive move, the Railway Protection Force has begun conducting awareness campaigns in sensitive areas along train routes, urging the residents to ensure that animals are not allowed to roam unattended near the tracks. The RPF has made it clear that negligence on the part of cattle owners could result in legal consequences.
ECoR’s proactive measures and the collaborative efforts of the Railway Protection Force and local communities are essential steps toward ensuring the safety of railway operations and preventing unfortunate incidents involving trains and cattle.
