'Don't cross rly tracks, that's how I lost my mum'

28 February,2009 08:20 AM IST |   |  Sanjeev Devasia

RPF at Mankhurd station invited people who've lost family members to track deaths to appeal to commuters not to do the same


RPF at Mankhurd station invited people who've lost family members to track deaths to appeal to commuters not to do the same

Cross connection: The cops distributed roses and pamphlets carrying information on the perils of crossing railway tracks to commuters.

Self-preservation is instinctive. But the fact that 120 people died while crossing the railway tracks between Chembur and Mankhurd only in 2008 shows it doesn't always come to play.


And knowing fully well that this huge figure will not deter others from crossing the tracks in the future, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) at Mankhurd yesterday started a campaign wherein the family members of those who've thrown away their lives, instead of using the foot over bridge or to save a few minutes, talk to commuters about how their lives have changed.

This, the RPF hopes, will stop people from crossing the tracks.

'If only...'

Maniya Balu (19) was present with seven others at Mankhurd station yesterday. "My mother Sarojini (35) died while crossing the tracks at Mankhurd last year.

If only she had taken the foot over bridge. I stay with my father and brother, but I miss my mother, as she was our support system.

Now I am all alone and there is nobody to look up to when I am in trouble," said Balu, who stays close to the station.

Inspector Sandeep Powar, RPF, added, "We called people like Balu to the station, as we wanted them to make people understand the dangers of track crossing."

"Many families have been torn apart, as the family head died while crossing. We wanted to appeal to people's emotions," he added.
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Mankhurd station Chembur RPF Maniya Balu Sarojini Sandeep Powar