Mumbai : To deter dangerous track trespassing, Western Railway has begun applying industrial grease on trackside fences across the 60-km Churchgate-Virar suburban corridor. The move aims to reduce accidents, deaths and service disruptions caused by illegal crossings
Railway employees coat trackside fencing with industrial grease at a suburban station to prevent dangerous track crossings and fence-jumping. Pics/By Special Arrangement
In a bid to deter dangerous trespassing and reduce accidents, the Western Railway has begun applying industrial grease along trackside fences across the entire 60 km suburban stretch between Churchgate and Virar. The measure covers all 29 stations on the busy corridor, where unauthorised track crossings and jumping over divider fences have remained a persistent safety concern, particularly during peak hours.
Mumbai’s suburban railway network recorded 1298 cases of track crossing in 2025, leading to 1063 commuter deaths and 235 injuries. “The grease coating makes it difficult to climb or grip the fences, acting as a physical deterrent without obstructing train operations. This is part of a broader safety push, and will be supplemented by increased vigilance, warning signage and public announcements,” a Western Railway spokesperson said.
Western Railway staff apply industrial grease on platform fencing to deter commuters from trespassing onto tracks, as part of a new safety measure on the suburban network
“The idea is to discourage people from jumping onto tracks. Apart from causing accidents, such incidents force trains to slow down, triggering multiple operational disruptions across the system,” the spokesperson added. Commuter groups have welcomed the step, saying any intervention that restricts access to tracks can help reduce fatalities if supported by better crowd management and station access.
“We welcome the move. It will help cut down fence-jumping at busy stations. People will think twice when it soils clothes and dirties hands, which itself can be a deterrent,” said Ravindra Rajan, a member of a passenger association.
Will grease dry up?
Railway officials said the grease does not dry quickly and will remain effective for extended periods. “It takes time to dry. Maintenance teams will reapply grease regularly wherever required,” an official said.
Tried before
This is not the first time railways have experimented with unconventional deterrents. In November 2023, the Central Railway’s Mumbai division applied grease at platform ends and cut down slopes to make climbing and descending difficult, encouraging commuters to use foot overbridges and subways. The move drew mixed reactions.
In June 2024, Central Railway installed “red safety boxes” at platform ends at key Mumbai stations by digging deeper pits at common jumping points. Officials said the boxes have shown encouraging results so far.
What else is being done?
Western Railway has rolled out a multi-layered safety framework combining engineering, technology, and enforcement to reduce deaths from trespassing and falls from trains.
To curb illegal track crossings, WR has focused on physical barriers and accessibility:
Boundary walls: 105.7 km constructed across the suburban section, with another 7.5 km under progress
Platform fencing: Iron fencing at major stations to prevent mid-platform crossings
Black spot elimination: 59 trespassing-prone locations removed in 2023-24, with 25 more identified this year
Better vertical movement
>> 147-foot over bridges operational
>> 110 escalators and 54 lifts commissioned to aid senior citizens and the differently-abled
Preventing falls from trains
>> All 302 suburban platforms raised to height of 900 mm
>> Introduction of AC local trains with automatic door-closing systems to curb footboard travel
>> Conversion of 12-coach services to 15-coach rakes to reduce crowding, with 211 services already upgraded
Improved surveillance
>> High-definition CCTV cameras under Integrated Security Systems
>> Regular RPF drives under Section 147 of the Railways Act, prosecuting thousands of trespassers annually
>> Blue light warning systems above doors in select rakes
>> Public awareness campaigns under “Mission Zero Death,” including FM radio messaging and street plays at high-risk stations
>> Golden Hour emergency medical posts at major stations for prompt trauma care
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