We have noticed that train derailments have been occurring at an alarming rate in the country. Therefore, the authorities concerned should repair and modernise the railway tracks and bridges to make the services safer, better, and faster immediately. Besides, crossing of tracks by pedestrians through unauthorised level-crossings must be stopped while deployment of gatemen at all level-crossings across the country will have to be ensured round the clock.
We are concerned over frequent train derailment incidents and accidents across the country as many people die and receive serious injuries. Train communication between northern part of the country with Dhaka and southern districts remained suspended since Wednesday afternoon due to the derailment of a freight train in Lalpur upazila of Natore district.
Two bogies of a Dhaka-bound rice-laden freight train veered off the tracks at Abdulpur Railway Junction signal point, halting the train movement. Khulna-bound Roket Mail train from Chilahati and Rajshahi-bound ‘Barendra Express’ train remained stuck at Natore station following the derailment, causing suffering to the commuters.
It is urgently needed
to repair the
dilapidated
railway tracks
Lack of awareness and poor maintenance and monitoring at level-crossings, including railway bridges, continue causing the train derailment. Besides, using mobile phones by pedestrians while crossing rail track, is also causing the tragic death.
Country’s many level crossings in the both east and west zones of Bangladesh Railway are operating without gatemen, intensifying the risk of level crossing for movements of vehicles and passersby. Apart from these, dilapidated condition of the railway tracks, faulty interlocking and signaling system are also causing frequent train derailment and even deadly accidents.
As these are making the train ride risky, the railway ministry must take special measures for ensuring security of rail service. The authorities concerned will make some serious efforts if it really wants to do something for the safety of passengers and passersby. Therefore, alongside, rail lines and bridges will have to be modernised and it is urgently needed to repair the dilapidated railway tracks.
The government is working to establish a rail network across the country for providing transportation to people and goods at a cheaper rate and safely. So, the railway authorities will inspect, repair and maintain railway tracks to keep the trains running smoothly and safely.