“Why do you bring more trains, when you can not protect the lives”?

The above question raised by the Supreme Court to the central government and department of railways is in time and most appropriate. Almost every week, report of train accidents and deaths are reported, either due to technical reasons or human error. The safety of the passengers are not given the priority that should be. As stated in this blog earlier, the modernisation and update of the tracks, regular check up, appointment of regular staff etc. are some of the issues immediately to be attended to, with sufficient funds from the government. The government should act without delay.

More Railway accidents. This time it is in M.P. and hundreds of people have either lost their lives or are in critical condition due to the twin accidents. Train accidents are becoming a normal feature.

The reasons are not unknown to the Railways or the government. The number of trains are being increased, but the rail tracts are not increased or replaced. Maintenance is very poor due to staff shortage and lack of equipment.  Required modernisation and safety measures are not implemented. The result – continued accidents, almost every week.

Paying some cash compensation to the families of the victims is not the solution. Though certainly it is required, the main target should be that no such accidents takes place in future.

It can not be ruled out that there is some high level conspiracy to disgrace and humiliate the railways and the rail workers before the public by these accidents and prepare the ground for  privatisation of this biggest services in the country.

Train charges have increased substantially and the Railways are not in short of funds. Even otherwise, the government has to find funds for the improvement of railway services, so that such loss of lives are averted.