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Indonesia installs concrete balls to deter train surfing
Indonesia has taken extreme measures to stop commuters from illegally riding on the roofs of trains - suspending rows of grapefruit-sized concrete balls over railway lines
Local rail authorities hope the balls, capable of delivering a very serious blow to the head, will be enough to deter "roof riders".
The ageing Indonesian rail network - a Dutch colonial legacy from the 1950s - struggles to cope with increasing passenger numbers. Many travellers seek to escape the overcrowded carriages by clambering on top, whilst others ride high to avoid paying a fare. Others "rail surf" for fun.
The first dozen or so balls were installed dangling from posts hundreds of yards from the entrance of a train station just outside the capital, Jakarta. If successful, the project will be expanded, with the deterrent also set up near railway crossings.
Mateta Rizahulhaq, a spokesman for the state-owned railway company PT Kereta Api, said the balls were a last resort, as it is "clear there are laws prohibiting passengers from riding on top of trains, because it is very dangerous both for them and the operation of the trains."
Many of the roof riders - and regular passengers - say the real problem lies with Indonesia's dilapidated railway system which suffers from a shortage of rolling stock and constant delays.
Several years ago, paint guns were deployed to spray those riding on the top of carriages so authorities could identify and round up the guilty travellers. However, roof riders soon destroyed the equipment.
Indonesia has taken extreme measures to stop commuters from illegally riding on the roofs of trains - suspending rows of grapefruit-sized concrete balls over railway lines
Local rail authorities hope the balls, capable of delivering a very serious blow to the head, will be enough to deter "roof riders".
The ageing Indonesian rail network - a Dutch colonial legacy from the 1950s - struggles to cope with increasing passenger numbers. Many travellers seek to escape the overcrowded carriages by clambering on top, whilst others ride high to avoid paying a fare. Others "rail surf" for fun.
The first dozen or so balls were installed dangling from posts hundreds of yards from the entrance of a train station just outside the capital, Jakarta. If successful, the project will be expanded, with the deterrent also set up near railway crossings.
Mateta Rizahulhaq, a spokesman for the state-owned railway company PT Kereta Api, said the balls were a last resort, as it is "clear there are laws prohibiting passengers from riding on top of trains, because it is very dangerous both for them and the operation of the trains."
Many of the roof riders - and regular passengers - say the real problem lies with Indonesia's dilapidated railway system which suffers from a shortage of rolling stock and constant delays.
Several years ago, paint guns were deployed to spray those riding on the top of carriages so authorities could identify and round up the guilty travellers. However, roof riders soon destroyed the equipment.
