Sirajganj

Unmanned level crossings in western zone pose risk

Of the 1,249 level crossings in the western zone, only 221 have barriers

Most of the 1,249 level crossings in the western zone of Bangladesh Railway are lying without barriers at places that have seen many fatal accidents over the years. Only 221 of them have barriers and are guarded. Out of the 1,028 unmanned level crossings only 757 passages over the rail tracks have approval, official sources said.  Thousands of people and vehicles cross the level crossings everyday taking serious risk. These places have now turned into death traps for the people in the region. According to Pashchimanchal (Western Zone) Railway office, there are 87 level crossings from Rahanpur railway station in Chapainawabganj to Abdullahpur railway station in Natore. Of them, 25 level crossings are unprotected, while 62 are approved and protected.  On the other hand, there are 28 level crossings in Rajshahi city. Of them, 11 level crossings are unprotected, while 17 are approved and protected by the authorities concerned.
Parimal Chandra Biswas, Permanent Way Inspector of Pashchimanchal railway department, said people often create level crossings at different places on the railway at their whims without approval of concerned authorities. As a result, the authorities concerned cannot give them securities during their movements for want of necessary manpower, he said adding in this situation, people should ensure their own safety security.
He, however, said they have given warning notices at different illegal level crossings and asked the people to ensure their safety and security with their own arrangements. Khayrul Alam, general manager of Pashchimanchal Railway Department, said they cannot recruit security guards and gatemen for want of funds.
If the government allocates necessary funds, they will recruit new gatemen and guards to ensure security for the commuters, who cross the unauthorised level crossings every day taking high risk of life, he added. 

Sirajganj

Unmanned level crossings in western zone pose risk

Of the 1,249 level crossings in the western zone, only 221 have barriers

Most of the 1,249 level crossings in the western zone of Bangladesh Railway are lying without barriers at places that have seen many fatal accidents over the years. Only 221 of them have barriers and are guarded. Out of the 1,028 unmanned level crossings only 757 passages over the rail tracks have approval, official sources said. Thousands of people and vehicles cross the level crossings everyday taking serious risk. These places have now turned into death traps for the people in the region. According to Pashchimanchal (Western Zone) Railway office, there are 87 level crossings from Rahanpur railway station in Chapainawabganj to Abdullahpur railway station in Natore. Of them, 25 level crossings are unprotected, while 62 are approved and protected. On the other hand, there are 28 level crossings in Rajshahi city. Of them, 11 level crossings are unprotected, while 17 are approved and protected by the authorities concerned. Parimal Chandra Biswas, Permanent Way Inspector of Pashchimanchal railway department, said people often create level crossings at different places on the railway at their whims without approval of concerned authorities. As a result, the authorities concerned cannot give them securities during their movements for want of necessary manpower, he said adding in this situation, people should ensure their own safety security. He, however, said they have given warning notices at different illegal level crossings and asked the people to ensure their safety and security with their own arrangements. Khayrul Alam, general manager of Pashchimanchal Railway Department, said they cannot recruit security guards and gatemen for want of funds. If the government allocates necessary funds, they will recruit new gatemen and guards to ensure security for the commuters, who cross the unauthorised level crossings every day taking high risk of life, he added.