It is a disaster waiting to happen at one of the MRTS railway stations. Scores of small boys, some as young as seven or eight years old routinely cling on to the doorway, causing anxious moments to both passengers and railway officials.
Between Tirumailai and Beach stations, young boys run alongside the train till almost the end of the platform, even as the train picks up speed and pulls out of the station, and then jump on and hang on to the doorway before boarding the compartments.
Calling this a daily routine, MRTS officials throw up their hands in despair. “We have tried warning these boys. But they do not heed any advice. Also, there is only one RPF personnel in every station. But with the kids being minors, the policemen also are constrained to take action against them,” an official at one of the MRTS stations said.
Senior Railways officials, however, say they are taking steps to ensure that students do not lose their lives to such thrill-seeking actions. “We are going to schools and colleges to educate students on the dangers of footboard travel and such joy rides. We also screen a half-hour documentary on the topic,” Mr. Ashraf, senior divisional security commissioner, said.
He also said the Railways has been undertaking a number of public awareness campaigns.
“A fear of a mere fine sometimes might not work with the public. We are focussing on the dangers and creating awareness to prevent loss of life,” he said.
Officials, however, say that there are limitations in terms of manpower and action that can be taken against these kids as they are all below the age of 18.
They also point out that most of these kids are ticketless travellers, but with no constant ticket checking, it becomes difficult to stop them.
“We once caught hold of some of these kids and made them sit in our office as punishment. But, the kids’ parents told the police that no action needs to be taken against the children. They said they would rather have their kids get injured while doing such stunts on trains than RPF or railway official taking them into custody,” an MRTS official said.
“What can we do under such a scenario? Thankfully, there has been no mishap so far, but we are definitely worried,” an officer said.
