In a bid to deter dangerous trespassing and reduce accidents, the Western Railway has begun applying industrial grease along trackside fences across the entire 60 km suburban stretch between Churchgate and Virar. The measure covers all 29 stations on the busy corridor, where unauthorised track crossings and jumping over divider fences have remained a persistent safety concern, particularly during peak hours.

Mumbai’s suburban railway network recorded 1298 cases of track crossing in 2025, leading to 1063 commuter deaths and 235 injuries. “The grease coating makes it difficult to climb or grip the fences, acting as a physical deterrent without obstructing train operations. This is part of a broader safety push, and will be supplemented by increased vigilance, warning signage and public announcements,” a Western Railway spokesperson said.