Indian Railways Takes Steps to Prevent Cattle Run-Overs

Metal fencing has been successfully completed along a 462-kilometer-long track on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route, as part of the Indian Railways’ efforts to prevent cattle run-overs. This initiative aims to enhance the safety of both cattle and humans crossing railway tracks.

Fencing Progress on Mumbai-Ahmedabad Route

The Western Railway has made significant progress in fencing off the 622-kilometer-long Mumbai-Ahmedabad route. As of June end this year, a total of 164.16 kilometers of track in the Ahmedabad Division, 104.75 kilometers in the Vadodara Division, and 192.10 kilometers in the Bombay Central Division have been successfully fenced with metal barriers.

Completion Target and Work Progress

The Indian Railways is working diligently to fence the entire Mumbai-Ahmedabad route with metal barriers by the end of July this year. The ongoing work is progressing at a rapid pace to meet this target.

Importance of Fencing for Cattle and Human Safety

Cattle run-over incidents have been a significant concern across Indian railway tracks, with over one lakh cattle being run over since 2019. These incidents not only harm animals but also pose risks to human safety. By implementing metal beam guard rails, similar to those used on expressways and highways, the Railways aims to demarcate the tracks effectively, promoting smoother vehicular movement.

Cost-Effectiveness of Metal Beam Guard Rails

The Railways has opted for metal beam guard rails as a cost-effective solution compared to brick and mortar walls. The construction cost for metal beam guard rails is Rs 45 lakh per kilometer, while a concrete wall would cost Rs 65 lakh per kilometer.

Decline in Cattle Run-Over Cases

The implementation of fencing along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route has already shown positive results. Between March and May 2022, there were 75 reported cases of cattle run-overs, which reduced to 55 cases during the same period in 2023 on the Vande Bharat Express route from Mumbai to Ahmedabad.

Effectiveness of Metal Barrier Fencing

The Railways has observed a significant decline in cattle run-over incidents in stretches where metal barrier fencing has been completed. These areas now report zero cases of cattle run-overs. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the fencing measures in ensuring the safety of both animals and humans.

Future Plans and Expansion

The Indian Railways plans to extend the fencing initiative to cover the entire Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah routes. By fencing off these routes, trains will be able to operate at enhanced speeds, further improving efficiency and safety.