The railway protection force (RPF) of the Thiruvananthapuram Division has issued a public safety advisory urging passengers to avoid footboard travel and other unsafe practices following a spike in 'fall from train' incidents across the division.
Alarming Statistics
According to officials, many passengers continue to stand near coach entrances or travel on footboards while trains are in motion, exposing themselves to serious risks. Such behaviors significantly increase the chances of losing balance due to sudden jerks, curves, braking, overcrowding, or fatigue during travel. Even a brief slip, the RPF warned, can result in severe injuries or fatalities. Data released by the division shows that 37 such incidents have been reported so far this year, with several cases leading to grievous injuries and loss of life.
Persistent Unsafe Practices
The RPF expressed concern that unsafe travel practices persist despite repeated warnings and awareness campaigns. Passengers have been advised to avoid travelling on footboards under any circumstances, move inside coaches immediately after boarding, refrain from boarding or alighting from moving trains, and not lean outside doors or entrances.
Preventive Measures
RPF personnel, in coordination with railway staff, are conducting awareness drives, making regular station announcements, counselling passengers, and increasing surveillance at vulnerable stations and onboard trains to curb such incidents. Reiterating its appeal, the RPF said that no journey is worth risking one's life and called for public cooperation in ensuring safe travel.
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