In a move to prevent footboard travel on Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) trains, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has started conducting awareness programmes in schools situated near the stations.
The RPF has also written letters to the principals of these institutions requesting them to create awareness about the perils of footboard travel.
Some schools have also started educating students about the dangers of such behaviour on trains.
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There are many schools around MRTS stations in the city. “Passengers have been complaining of school students jumping into and off moving trains at stations,” said a senior RPF officer. There have been instances of students getting injured.
S. Jaya, a commuter from Mylapore, said that the sight of children running alongside the trains at stations creates a lot of anxiety among passengers. “This happens even during school hours. These boys don’t realise the implications of potential accidents. The RPF must take strict action to prevent this,” she said.
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However, RPF officers usually let off students with a warning.
“When we counselled some students, who indulge in such ‘stunts’, we found that many do not attend schools and instead, spend time roaming outside,” the officer said.
T. Ananthanarayanan, headmaster of P.S. High School – North said he regularly counsels students about the hazards of footboard travel.
“I don’t allow the students to go out during lunch. We also tell the parents to educate their wards about safe travel on MRTS trains,” he said.
M. Sairam of Velachery suggested that the identity cards of students who travel on footboards should be confiscated and their parents and school authorities should be summoned to collect them.