Pune: Cases of track trespassing and alarm chain pulling under the Pune rail division declined slightly in 2025 compared to 2024, according to data shared by authorities, highlighting the need for renewed strategies to further curb these incidents.As per data provided, 2025 recorded 428 track trespassing incidents, resulting in 367 deaths and 61 injuries, compared to 435 incidents that led to 385 deaths and 50 injuries in 2024. Alarm chain pulling cases also fell, with 809 incidents reported in 2025 against 891 in the previous year. However, the number of passengers caught travelling without tickets increased significantly, rising to 3,98,250 cases in 2025 from 2,73,770 in 2024.Pune rail officials said multiple measures, including the installation of standalone cameras and fencing, were being implemented to prevent trespassing, however, the focus this year was on intensifying awareness and enforcement campaigns to achieve a sharper reduction in such incidents.“Last year, the Pune division ran 96 special trains during different events, covering a total of 964 trips, against 74 trains covering 254 trips in 2024. These were in addition to the regular trains. More trains resulted in more passengers, and hence those caught for offences like travelling without a ticket and chain pulling were high,” a senior Pune rail division official told TOI.While acknowledging that track trespassing remains a concern, officials said the fencing project was progressing rapidly.“About 150 km of track fencing has been completed across several locations on the Pune–Lonavla–Daund section. The target is to complete 290km by April. This is a high-priority project,” said Hemant Kumar Behera, divisional commercial manager of the Pune rail division.He added that enforcement efforts would be stepped up this year, with specialised teams formed to conduct more frequent checks and take stricter action.The Rs 234.64-crore project extends beyond fencing. It includes the construction of strategically located subways to allow people to cross tracks safely. Initially, 16 subways were approved for the Pune–Lonavla–Daund section, with three more added after identifying additional trespassing-prone locations. Construction has begun at 14 sites, with box casting completed at seven.Another official noted that the total length of fencing could increase further. “Trespassing hotspots keep emerging. After studying the issue from multiple perspectives, we may need to extend the fencing. Additionally, there is a proposal to procure and install 96 standalone solar-powered CCTV cameras at black spots. These cameras will be capable of storing footage for up to 24 hours, which can be analysed to take corrective measures,” the official said.Anand Saptarshi, a member of the Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee (ZRUCC), echoed these concerns and said regular and diligent on-ground patrolling could significantly reduce trespassing. “Unfortunately, traditional patrolling is not being carried out effectively, which is why the number of incidents remains high,” he said.
