SCR cautions rail users on live wires

South Central Railway (SCR) authorities recently noted two incidents in their jurisdiction, where persons came in contact with live traction wire by climbing onto the roof of a coach. These incidents took place at Aler and Kazipet railway stations and the persons, who climbed on the roof, were electrocuted and suffered burns.

The authorities highlighted that all electrified routes of the railways were equipped with high voltage (25,000 watts) overhead traction wires, which are highly dangerous in case anybody comes in contact with them or tampers with the related installations. The authorities added that necessary caution boards were displayed at important points to inform general public and rail users.

K Sambasiva Rao, chief public relation officer, said, “Maximum precautionary measures need to be observed on electrified routes by the travelling public at large, especially rail users such as level crossing users, goods shed users, etc.”

He appealed to the travelling public to avoid climbing on to the roof of coaches for any reason; touching the traction wire with a pole, bamboo or metallic rod; carrying out any work within two metres from electrical over head equipment without permission from the railway authorities; climbing structures supporting electrical over head equipments; trespassing in yards having electrified traction; carrying long poles or any other articles vertically in the vicinity of over head traction wires; flying kites over or near the traction wires.

Road vehicles were cautioned not to cross level crossings with loads exceeding the height of height gauges; not to carry long poles, metallic rods or any other object which may come within two metres of the overhead traction wire.

Goods shed users were cautioned not to climb on wagons while carrying out loading and unloading activities. No work shall be done with in a distance of two metres from the overhead traction wire without switching off the supply and obtaining a “permit to work” from the authorised railway official.

Military personnel accompanying military special trains were also cautioned not to get on to the roof of the military truck loaded on the wagons or project any metallic pieces towards a live wire.