It is shocking to learn that more than 700 level crossings in the western region of Bangladesh Railway including Khulna, Rajshahi and Raangpur, are operating without gatemen. Sources said 715 level-crossings do not have gatemen, which are increasing the risks of deadly accidents.
According to a report by Shipping and Communication Reporters Forum (SCRF), between January 1 and June 30 this year, there have been at least 202 rail accidents that claimed 209 lives. Reportedly in 2018, a total of 244 people died and 228 were injured in 235 rail related fatalities in 2018, and most of the fatalities occurred as trains ran over people at unprotected level crossing and tracks. And the absurd reason for such an increasing number of rail-related fatalities is that two-thirds of Bangladesh Railway’s 1,412 level crossings have no designated gatemen and there is no siren system at most of the level crossing in Bangladesh.
Besides installing siren and employing
gatemen at every level crossing across the country,
creating awareness has become very much pertinent in
order to reduce the chances of rail-fatalities
Experts opine that the absence of vigilance at level crossings has increased the number of rail fatalities, most of which occur at level crossing. Such a large number of unprotected level crossings have appeared as a big threat for the country’s entire rail sector. Therefore, the rail authorities should install special siren systems at level crossings without gatemen. Also there is a need for evicting structures and makeshifts beside level crossings so that approaching trains can be spotted from a safe distance.
Authorities blamed illegal construction of rail gates and inadequate manpower for the rise in rail-related accidents. It is disheartening that at least nine government bodies were involved in constructing illegal level crossings, with Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) having constructed the highest of 452 gates. Moreover, lack of awareness among the pedestrians crossing the rail tracks is adding fuel to the fire in this regard.
Considering all above, necessary steps should be taken to put those government officials involving in constructing illegal level crossings behind the bars. Besides installing siren and employing gatemen at every level crossing across the country, creating awareness has become very much pertinent in order to reduce the chances of such accidents. In order to do that media and educational institutions should play important roles. But it is also to mention that all such endeavours will bear no meaning and the number of such incidents will not come down if the ones using the tracks are not aware.