Force or intimidation often ends up making a violator more determined towards wrong-doing. With imposition of fine not dissuading people from crossing over unmanned tracks recklessly, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has decided to adopt a softer attitude and instead educate people on the fatal consequences of such action.

As part of an awareness drive in Mulund on February 19 and 20, RPF rounded up nearly 80 people, both men and women, of different age groups for crossing the railway tracks. A similar drive will be organised in Thane in the course

of this week. DV Singh, senior inspector, RPF, Mulund, said, “Despite repeated warnings, commuters avoided using the foot overbridge and crossed the tracks. It was then we decided to conduct the drive at major points most vulnerable to accidents. If an offender is caught, we desist from imposing fine and instead counsel them about the ill-effects of reckless track-crossing. Also, we call up their close ones and inform them about how their relatives were putting their lives at risk.”

RPF officials insisted that maximum wayward track-crossing takes place during peak hours, which has proved fatal. In 2008, 70 deaths were registered, while six people were injured.

This year too, there have been 10 deaths till now and one person has been hurt. While in 2008, RPF registered 1,247 cases and collected fine aggregating to Rs 3,58,250, in 2009, about 200 cases have been registered and fine amounting to nearly Rs 50,000 collected till date. (Deepa H Sarna / DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication)