50,000 hit-by-train deaths in 3 years, most in North

New Delhi, October 22

Nearly 50,000 people have lost their lives between 2015 and 2017 on railway tracks after being hit by trains, according to official data.

Most of the deaths were reported from the Northern Railway zone at 7,908, followed by 6,149 deaths from the Southern Railway zone and 5,670 deaths from the Eastern Railway zone.

Deaths on railway tracks occur due to trespassing, violating safety and cautionary instructions, avoiding over-bridges, using phones and other gadgets when crossing railway tracks.

Unauthorised trespassing on railway premises, including tracks, is a punishable offence under Section 147 of the Railways Act, 1989.

During 2018, as of September, 1,20,923 people were arrested and prosecuted by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) for intruding the railway system. A total fine of Rs 2.94 crore was imposed on them. — PTI