Thiruvananthapuram: The Railways on Friday said it has begun closing identified vulnerable spots by installing strong barriers to stop unauthorised vehicles from entering railway platforms and track areas.

The step comes in the wake of a December 23 incident in which a drunken autorickshaw driver drove into Akathumuri railway station and abandoned the vehicle on the tracks, where it was later struck by a Vande Bharat Express. No passengers, members of the public or railway staff were injured in the incident.

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) registered a criminal case against the driver, who was arrested and remanded to judicial custody. If convicted, he could face a jail term of up to five years.

"As part of strong and effective follow-up action, the RPF coordinated with the Motor Vehicles Department. Consequently, the Regional Transport Office, Varkala, has suspended the accused's driving licence for six months under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988," the Railways said in a statement.

Emphasising a zero-tolerance approach, the RPF said it would act strictly against unauthorised vehicle entry, violations at level crossings, and rash or negligent driving near railway premises, citing the high risk of accidents, loss of life, disruption of train services and major financial losses.

In such cases, the RPF will register criminal cases under the Railways Act, arrest and prosecute offenders, seek suspension or cancellation of driving licences through the concerned RTOs, and recover the cost of damage to railway property.

"As an additional preventive and deterrent measure, the Railways have undertaken the closure of identified vulnerable locations across the division by erecting strong barriers to prevent illegal entry of vehicles onto platforms and track areas," it added.

The Railways also appealed to all road users to strictly follow traffic rules and safety norms, warning that unauthorised entry onto tracks, platforms, or level crossings with vehicles is a punishable offence that will invite strict legal action. PTI