The New Nation - Internet Edition

LEVEL crossings have virtually turned into death traps claiming a large number of lives every year. At least five persons were killed and one was seriously injured when a Dhaka-bound train rammed into a private car at a level crossing in Narsingdi district the other day. In another accident at Tejgaon crossing in the city a journalist lost his legs a few days back. These are just a few of many such accidents. Unauthorised and unmanned level crossings and negligence on the part of concerned agencies to take care of those are mainly responsible for the accidents. Land developers are found to make roads across railway tracks and such unauthorised level crossings increase risks of accidents. The level crossing in Narsingdi, the spot of the latest accident, is reported to have no guard to control traffic. Callousness and reckless driving of motor vehicle operators is no less responsible for the accidents. Just a bit of patience and caution on their part can help avoid such accidents.

With the fast pace of urbanisation and infrastructural development new level crossings are needed at different points across the country. While it is not desirable for individuals or organisations to construct roads across railway tracks without taking permission of and making arrangement with the latter, the railway authorities also should prevent such roads from being constructed. This is needed not only to protect railway property but also to ensure the safety of its traffic. The railway and the roads and highways departments must ensure planned construction of roads and where necessary flyovers or underpasses to cross rail tracks. None should be allowed to open unauthorised crossings. The railway authorities must also evict illegal shops and other establishments beside railway tracks. Unauthorised level crossings should either be closed or operated by taking full care of security of traffic passing through those.

Streamlining housing business