Almost every week, news are coming about rail accidents, derailment etc. causing many death-tolls and also serious injuries to many. Yesterday, on 9th July, there were two serious accidents with more than 100 deaths. Of course the government is declaring compensation to the families of the deceased, injured persons etc. But is that sufficient?
Many of the rail tracks are laid decades back. Continued movement of trains have made them very loose and and the chance of derailment has increased. By reducing the gangmen and other inspecting workers and no recruitment, there is acute staff shortage.The number of trains has increased many folds, but the tracks have not increased to that extent.
But more than these the main reason is the neglect of the railway by the Central Government.All the railway ministers are interested in getting some more railway lines and trains for their constituencies / states only. There has been no serious review of the functioning of the railway by the government so far. And now there is no minister for the last two months. Of course, it is under the charge of the PM himself now. What the PM has to say on these issues? As usuual, may be silence only.
But more than that. No serious effort is made to find out the reasons for the accidents. Enquiries are ordered to satisy the public, but no tangible results are there.
Unless a very serious enquiry is conducted and remedial actions taken there may be more such tragedies.