Railway zones in India, including the Eastern Railway (ER), are struggling with the issue of track trespassing. In 2025, there were 2,394 cases of trespassing reported, resulting in 2,038 deaths and 359 injuries. The first half of 2026 saw 1,144 cases of track trespassing in the ER, leading to 1,001 deaths and 147 injuries.
“The data indicates that a significant number of these incidents occur in the heavily congested Sealdah and Howrah divisions, although all regions are impacted,” mentioned a senior ER official. The Sealdah Division recorded the highest toll in 2025 with 933 deaths and 175 injuries, followed by the Howrah Division with 620 deaths and 128 injuries. The Asansol Division reported 278 deaths and 40 injuries, while the Malda Division had 207 deaths and 16 injuries.
In 2026, the Sealdah Division already witnessed 463 deaths and 66 injuries, with the Howrah Division reporting 304 deaths and 47 injuries. The Asansol Division saw 141 deaths and 23 injuries, while the Malda Division recorded 93 deaths and 11 injuries. To address this crisis, the ER has initiated a comprehensive zone-wide campaign to enhance safety and eliminate trespassing.
The railway zone is actively engaged in public awareness campaigns at high-risk stations and closely monitoring vulnerable crossing points. Security wings, in collaboration with station authorities, are educating passengers on the dangers of track-walking and enforcing Section 147 of the Railways Act to discourage trespassing. Violators may face a fine of Rs 5,000, imprisonment of up to three months, or both.
ER’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Shibram Majhi, emphasized the importance of using foot overbridges and subways for safe crossing, highlighting that every life lost on the tracks is a profound tragedy. The ER has implemented measures to promote the use of overbridges, including installing lifts and escalators at various stations. Additional security personnel are being deployed to prevent trespassing and crossing at level crossing gates.
