Union of India Vs Radha Yadav (Supreme Court of India)
The Supreme Court heard submissions from the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) representing the Union of India, the Amicus Curiae, and the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety of Indian Railways. The Court initially sought suggestions from the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety regarding measures that could improve railway safety for the general public.
In response, the Chief Commissioner suggested that fencing of railway tracks should be expedited as a basic safety measure. According to him, accidents frequently occur when people and animals move onto railway tracks without awareness of approaching trains. He stated that fencing work has already covered more than 15,000 kilometres of railway tracks and that the remaining work could be completed within the next three to four years.
He also highlighted that many accidents occur at railway stations where passengers move from one platform to another by crossing tracks directly instead of using designated passages. To reduce such risks, he suggested constructing foot over bridges at railway stations in a phased manner, prioritizing stations with high passenger movement. He further proposed installing lifts at busy stations for senior citizens and providing ramps for differently-abled persons.
The Additional Solicitor General informed the Court that these suggestions would be conveyed to the relevant authorities and that railway officials present in court would take note of the proceedings.
