Unprotected railway crossings at various places in Jamalpur's Sarishabari Upazila have turned into death pits. Accidents often occur at these unprotected railway crossings. Loss of life is not abnormal anymore. There is no gateman at these unprotected railway crossings. Although the railway concerned put up warning signboards at some crossings to avoid liability, it is no longer visible. Most of the warning signs on the railways have been destroyed.
According to Sarishabari Railway Station, there are 6 trains running in this Upazila including 3 intercity trains and 3 local trains namely Jamuna, Agnibina and Jamalpur Express. There are a total of 15 railway crossings in this Upazila. Only 9 of them have Gateman. Remaining 6 rail crossings are unprotected. There are also several small unprotected rail crossings. Which has no account with the railway authorities. There is no gateman at these crossings. Vehicles are moving at risk in all these railway crossings. Accidents are increasing. Along with that, death is increasing.
On the ground, it can be seen that the unguarded railway crossings of the Upazila are running dangerously due to the absence of gatemen. Many people cross the crossing on foot without looking left or right. There are many more level crossings outside the list of railways but they are not accounted for by the railway authorities. Accidents are happening at these unprotected rail crossings. On February 13 of this year, a young man named Sajib died after being hit by a train at an unprotected level crossing in Chenchiabadha area of Pogaldigha Union. In 2020, two people died when they were hit by a train while riding a motorcycle at an unprotected level crossing adjacent to Aramnagar Aliya Madrasa.
In 2019, a woman named Bilkis Akhtar was hit by a train and died at Lokshed rail crossing. In 2018, the tractor overturned at the Bausi level crossing in the municipality. At that time, the tractor driver was killed by the train. Accidents occur regularly at the remaining unprotected level crossings. Everyone travels at risk in these unprotected level crossings. But the railway authorities are not taking any necessary steps.
Golap Mia, a cattle driver of Tarakandi railway station area, said that the railway crossing adjacent to Tarakandi railway station is very big. There are 8 railway lines here. Despite having such a large railway crossing, it remains unguarded. There is no gateman here. We have to risk our lives. Many times various cars overturned while passing over the railway line.
Mominul Islam Kismat, assistant teacher of Sarishabari Alia Madrasa, said that there have been several incidents of death by trains at the railway crossing adjacent to the Madrasa. Besides, minor accidents often occur. It has become necessary to appoint gatemen along with the construction of gates at these unprotected level crossings. Jamalpur Railway Station Officer (Station Master) Asaduzzaman Asad said, 'Gateman appointment is not our jurisdiction. The senior officials of the railways are looking into this matter. However, at level crossings where there is no gateman, warning signboards are provided. The locals immediately demanded the construction of gates at these unprotected level crossings and the appointment of gatemen.