In order to prevent drug addicts and petty thieves from stealing copper wires used in signalling system, which often throws railway services out of gear, the Western Railway (WR) authorities are now experimenting with aluminium wires, and cement covers for signal boxes installed along the railway tracks.

Officials said copper is used because it is an excellent conductor of electricity, but the moment miscreants steal copper wires, the signal turns red and becomes non-functional. This affects train services.