The train accident at Khatauli in Uttar Pradesh is another entry to the sad accident statistics and misgovernance in the Railways. Train accidents seem to be occurring at regular intervals, which is alarming. It is also a fact that a number of job vacancies in crucial departments are still vacant, which is leading to work pressure.
Lopsided priorities such as attempting bullet train services without focussing on core issues such as poor track maintenance, a disproportionate increase in services without balancing maintenance, and not adhering to minimum safety precautions are resulting in a crisis. Sending a Railway Board member on leave — for the first time — is not enough. Safety must come first. If it means reducing services, a bold step has to be taken. Instead of rushing to conclusions such as sabotage, the Railway Ministry needs to constantly focus on the upkeep and maintenance of tracks, bridges and coaches. There must be refresher courses for front-line staff at frequent intervals.
Murthy Palakodeti,
Hyderabad
It is regrettable that a blame game begins once a major catastrophe occurs. The pertinent questions are obfuscated. In this case, the main question should be whether the procedures laid down in railway operations when track maintenance were undertaken were followed correctly.
In cases of major maintenance, trains are brought to a dead stop and then hand-signalled over the affected section. To alert approaching trains of a speed limit in force, a black and yellow warning board is placed well in advance of the speed limit indicator board and at a distance adequate for a speeding train to slow down with a normal application of brakes. Media reports do not mention this. There should be a proper inquiry.
S. Rajaram,
Chennai
