Reel shoots on railway tracks under scanner

The Government Railway Police (GRP) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) have expressed strong concern over attempts by a section of students in Kozhikode to use railway tracks for reel shoots. Warnings from schools and colleges have been repeatedly ignored, posing serious safety hazards and jeopardising the safe and smooth operation of trains.

A GRP officer said that complaints from residents, rail passengers, and traders were on the rise over the “unsafe and reckless” behaviour by youngsters near tracks for photography and videography. The issue, already flagged by RPF squads, would be addressed after discussions with the district authorities, the officer added.

“Local traders and passers-by have often confronted students who ignore safety warnings,” said Musthafa Kadakkal, a trader near the C.H. Flyover in the city.

Meanwhile, residents’ associations in Feroke, Kallayi, Vellayil, and West Hill urged the police to act tough on the violators. They suggested live camera surveillance on all accident-prone stretches to identify offenders and take legal action, noting that round-the-clock monitoring could offset manpower shortages.

Functionaries of various rail users’ associations said the matter would be brought to the attention of the district administration and the government departments concerned for prompt action. They urged the District Collector to convene a meeting of representatives of educational institutions located near railway lines.

A Southern Railway train manager said some students had even tried to touch the speeding Vande Bharat Express and film reels for social media. He called for immediate surveillance near Vellayil, C.H. flyover, Cherootty Road, and Kallayi, where students were also seen recklessly crossing the tracks.