Mumbai: The next time you trespass a railway track, be prepared to cough up a fine of Rs 200 on the spot to any ticket collector, the station master, or even personnel of the Railway Police Force if caught.
The western railway (WR) has got an in-principle nod from the Railway Board (RB) for the proposal that will reduce time taken to punish such violations. Presently, when a commuter is caught trespassing, he or she is produced before a railway magistrate and put through trial. If found guilty - a process that usually takes about two months - the offender is asked to shell out the fine.
The idea of spot fines comes as a way to curb trespassing on railways as nearly seven out of 10 deaths are caused due to trespassing. Railway Board member (traffic) Mohammed Jamshed communicated an in-principle nod to the WR during his visit to the city on Monday.
Divisional railway manager, Mukul Jain said, “Trespassing is our biggest grouse and we see a lot of unnecessary deaths on the railway line. This change in rules will help us to not only curb trespassing but spot fines will also be levied on those travelling in compartments for women and the handicapped.”
