This refers to the editorial “Terrible train of accidents” (July 20). The two possible reasons for the accident in Sainthia — caused when the Uttar Banga Express rammed the Vananchal Express — which claimed 67 lives are worth pondering over. Had the engine been equipped with the automatic warning system, the alarm would have been triggered and the driver warned in time. Had the driver still not responded, the device would have initiated the application of brakes.
It is obvious that the phenomenal advance in modern technology has not led to the upgradation of safety to the desired extent.
N. Sadasivan Pillai,
Guntakal
The accident points to the failure of Mamata Banerjee as both Railway Minister and West Bengal politician. Her policies at the Centre and the State are taking their toll. It is a wonder that the Indian Railways are functioning. The responsibility and work ethics are way below the bottom line. Had the Railways been privatised, they would have been serving better.
Chebolu. Krishna Chaitanya,
Srikakulam
The increasing number of train accidents is alarming. Ms Banerjee perhaps has the worst track record as Railway Minister as far as accidents are concerned.
Whether accidents occur as a result of human error or technical error is immaterial. Plans should be implemented for ensuring safety.
Kaustubh Ranjan,
New Delhi
The government should not treat the Sainthia tragedy as just one more accident and close the issue after paying ex gratia to the families of the dead, and tendering an apology to the people. It should fix accountability and punish the guilty.
G.N. Sudershan,
Bangalore
Whether the accident at Sainthia was due to human error, sabotage or political designs will, as in the past, remain a mystery. The announcement of monetary compensation, the ordering of an inquiry and shedding of (crocodile) tears by those at the helm can do little to compensate the loss of precious lives.
The damage caused to the Railways by frequent accidents is also a matter of serious concern. It is a matter of shame that nobody in authority has taken moral responsibility for the tragedy.
Kavi Suresh,
Shimoga
The frequent train accidents are symptoms of the rot within. Myopic policies of ruling parties which consider the Railways an instrument to increase their political mileage, and inefficient bureaucratic administration are responsible for the dismal state of affairs. More trains are introduced every year without improving the infrastructure. Passenger fares and freight charges have remained the same for two years despite the increase in the cost of all inputs, resulting in a decline on spending in essential areas. All these directly compromise safety.
Thousands of train driver posts have been lying vacant for years. Those in service are forced to work for long hours — beyond their endurance level. The much-hyped modernisation process is limited to files and press releases. It is the common man who pays the price for all this with his life.
B. Joseph,
Coonoor
The common man's trust is breached whenever a rail accident takes place as the train is the most affordable and safe mode of transport. After some time, the impact of the Sainthia accident will vanish from the minds of the unaffected and end up as a part of statistics. Often, human error is cited as the cause of such accidents. It is a fact that the most stressed employees of the Railways are the drivers, assistant drivers, guards and station masters. Their roster hours run into 10 hours at a stretch and they continue to remain on duty till a relief is arranged. The driver and guard of an express train speeding at 100 km an hour are expected to stand for hours and remain vigilant and responsive to the signal. It is easy to say it is their duty and they are paid for it. But providing stress-free working conditions is a must to avoid human errors. While entrusting thousands of lives in the hands of a few, the administration should provide better working conditions.
S. Raja Subramaniam,
Chennai
