Despite the government’s several development projects to upgrade the rail lines, level crossings, and signaling systems, still, there are more than a thousand level crossings that remain vulnerable, causing severe accidents. For want of sufficient gatekeepers, poor signaling and negligence of train drivers, a good number of lives have been lost already. There are still no gatekeepers at 1028 level crossings on the western side of the Bangladesh Railway (BR). Even the department has not issued any notification regarding the appointment of gatekeepers.
According to railways information, to upgrade these vulnerable crossings and appoint gatekeepers, project were taken four years back. According to the scheduled time, the project deadline ends four months ago, but the project has achieved 77 percent progress until now.
The project titled, “Rehabilitation and Upgradation of Level Crossings of Western Region of BR” was taken at a cost of Tk 47.84 crore in June 2015. The four-year projects concluded in June 2019.
The main objectives of the project is yet to be achieved. Besides, 273 level crossing rehabilitation works have not been completed also. However, a project official on condition of anonymity said, they are trying to complete the remaining works as earliest as possible. Besides, circular will be issued to appoint gatekeepers soon.
The BR information showed, in the western region, there are 987 legal level crossings and 271 illegal level crossings. Of the total 1249 level crossings, only 221 level crossing have gatekeepers, rests are at risky condition. In this regard, BR Western Region Director General Mihir Kanti Guha said, “We are working to appoint gatekeepers, besides casual gatekeepers are being made permanent. But there is no chance to appoint gatekeepers in illegal level crossing”.
“Road Transport and Highway Departments, and Roads and Highways Department made these illegal crossing to serve their interests, we are not liable for these”, he added. Concerned experts say, developed countries are using the latest technologies whereas the country is still falling behind in using modern engines and equipment. On the other hand, due to inefficient monitoring systems, railways are not having sufficient stones, sleepers, nut-bolts, proper controlling systems, and skilled train drivers.
A private survey showed train accidents increased after 2010. The statistics showing, during the last decade around 2000 train accidents took place, where more than 250 passengers were killed and many more injured. In this regard, BR additional director general (Operation) Md Mia Jahan said, to avoid unwanted accidents there are many rules and regulations. If these rules are followed carefully, the rate of accident will gradually come down.
