The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of South Western Railway’s Hubballi Division has fined 32 tourists for illegally trekking along railway tracks to reach Dudhsagar Falls, reinforcing its warning against unauthorised access through the rail corridor.
The action was carried out during a special enforcement drive conducted on July 5 in the Dudhsagar and Sonalium railway station limits. The operation was led by the RPF Sub-Inspector of Castle Rock as part of an intensified effort to prevent trespassing, particularly during the monsoon season when the route becomes increasingly hazardous.
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According to railway officials, all 32 tourists were booked under Section 147 of the Railways Act (Jan Vishwas Act) for trespassing on railway property. Each individual was fined 500, taking the total penalty amount to 16,000.
Authorities have repeatedly prohibited visitors from using the railway tracks as a route to Dudhsagar Falls, citing serious safety concerns. The picturesque waterfall attracts thousands of tourists every monsoon, but trekking along active railway lines poses significant risks due to train movement, slippery tracks and difficult terrain.
The RPF said surveillance has been stepped up across vulnerable sections of the railway network to curb illegal entry. Officials also appealed to tourists and local residents to avoid walking on railway tracks and to follow safety regulations issued by the Railways.
Railway authorities have urged visitors to use only authorised routes to reach tourist destinations and refrain from trespassing on railway property. They warned that strict action will continue against violators as part of ongoing enforcement measures aimed at ensuring passenger safety and preventing accidents during the busy monsoon tourism season.
