Dhaka-N'ganj rail turns vulnerable
The 19-kilometre Dhaka-Narayanganj rail route has become vulnerable, posing a threat to the lives of people commuting every day.
A poor signalling system coupled with a shortage of efficient manpower is contributing to train accidents frequently.
At least four people were killed in a collision while they were crossing the Jurain level-crossing in a pick-up van on December 31 last year.
In addition, at least seven were killed in the last two months in separate accidents at various crossings.
Besides, many more were injured in the mishaps, according to Dhaka Railway police sources.
Though there are 13 authorised level-crossings on the Kamalapur to Narayanganj route, more than 20 illegal crossings have sprung up.
There are three crossings in Galachipa of Narayanganj while Aligarh, Fatulla, Nandalalpur, Bhangarpul and Bou Bazar of Shympur have two each.
The unauthorised level crossings on this route have been credited for the unexpected death toll. Illegally set up installations and raw markets on both sides of the tracks also contribute to the accidents on the route.
For a densely populated area, the authorised level-crossings are inadequate,and people’s lack of consciousness, a weak signalling system and lack of manpower at the crossings just compound the problem.
Gazi Mosarraf Hossen, Station Master of Genaria railway station said, “Accidents are occurring due to illegal crossings. But the rate has reduced comparatively.”
Railway sources said, Narayanganj and Dhaka railway stations are only about 19 kilometers apart. At least 16 pairs of trains along with a DEMU train ply the route every day.
Trains leaving from Narayanganj railway station touch Chashara, Aliganj of Fatulla, Pagla, Gendaria and finally reach Kamalapur railway station in Dhaka, in a run that takes only 35 to 40 minutes. The route is very popular for busy people due to the short-run and quick-to-reach-destination reasons.
Meanwhile, there are large numbers of illegal installations and kitchen markets on both sides of the route, especially in Jurain-Shaympur area in Dhaka. The trains moving in this place are likely to touch the habitats and markets.
When trains arrive their whistles are usually not heard clearly as the places are overcrowded. Unconcerned people, talking on mobile phones are the most prone to fall into accidents at this junction.
“Despite measures to evict these constructions, all goes in vain due to mismanagement and irresponsibly of the concerned authority,” said a railway official seeking anonymity.
It is alleged that some officials and railway police take bribes from the people who sell fruits and raw materials. For this, the number of shops is rapidly increasing.
When contacted, Amzad Hossen, Director General of Bangladesh railway said, “The eviction process has already begun since two months ago in Jurain-Shympur areas. The work is now being supervised by the Army.”
The article was first published at Bangladesh Post
A poor signalling system coupled with a shortage of efficient manpower is contributing to train accidents frequently.
At least four people were killed in a collision while they were crossing the Jurain level-crossing in a pick-up van on December 31 last year.
In addition, at least seven were killed in the last two months in separate accidents at various crossings.
Besides, many more were injured in the mishaps, according to Dhaka Railway police sources.
Though there are 13 authorised level-crossings on the Kamalapur to Narayanganj route, more than 20 illegal crossings have sprung up.
There are three crossings in Galachipa of Narayanganj while Aligarh, Fatulla, Nandalalpur, Bhangarpul and Bou Bazar of Shympur have two each.
The unauthorised level crossings on this route have been credited for the unexpected death toll. Illegally set up installations and raw markets on both sides of the tracks also contribute to the accidents on the route.
For a densely populated area, the authorised level-crossings are inadequate,and people’s lack of consciousness, a weak signalling system and lack of manpower at the crossings just compound the problem.
Gazi Mosarraf Hossen, Station Master of Genaria railway station said, “Accidents are occurring due to illegal crossings. But the rate has reduced comparatively.”
Railway sources said, Narayanganj and Dhaka railway stations are only about 19 kilometers apart. At least 16 pairs of trains along with a DEMU train ply the route every day.
Trains leaving from Narayanganj railway station touch Chashara, Aliganj of Fatulla, Pagla, Gendaria and finally reach Kamalapur railway station in Dhaka, in a run that takes only 35 to 40 minutes. The route is very popular for busy people due to the short-run and quick-to-reach-destination reasons.
Meanwhile, there are large numbers of illegal installations and kitchen markets on both sides of the route, especially in Jurain-Shaympur area in Dhaka. The trains moving in this place are likely to touch the habitats and markets.
When trains arrive their whistles are usually not heard clearly as the places are overcrowded. Unconcerned people, talking on mobile phones are the most prone to fall into accidents at this junction.
“Despite measures to evict these constructions, all goes in vain due to mismanagement and irresponsibly of the concerned authority,” said a railway official seeking anonymity.
It is alleged that some officials and railway police take bribes from the people who sell fruits and raw materials. For this, the number of shops is rapidly increasing.
When contacted, Amzad Hossen, Director General of Bangladesh railway said, “The eviction process has already begun since two months ago in Jurain-Shympur areas. The work is now being supervised by the Army.”
The article was first published at Bangladesh Post
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