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Friday, January 31, 2025, 4:36 am

Friday, January 31, 2025, 4:36 am

Avoidable Deaths on Rails: A Tragedy That Demands Urgent Action

Avoidable Deaths on Rails: A Tragedy That Demands Urgent Action
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The tragic death of 13 passengers aboard the Lucknow-Mumbai Pushpak Express in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district serves as a stark reminder of systemic failures within India’s railway system. Panic erupted among passengers due to unverified rumours of a fire, leading them to jump off the moving train, only to be struck fatally by the speeding Karnataka Express on an adjacent track. Among the victims were nine men and four women, including seven Nepalese nationals.

In the aftermath, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced financial aid of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased. The Railway Board also promised ex gratia payments—₹1.5 lakh for the dead, ₹50,000 for the seriously injured, and ₹5,000 for minor injuries. While these measures offer some monetary relief, they cannot compensate for the devastating and preventable loss of human life.


Systemic Failures and Critical Questions

The incident exposes multiple gaps in railway safety and crisis management protocols:

  1. Spread of Unverified Rumours:
    The panic resulted from unverified reports of a fire, highlighting the absence of real-time communication to calm passengers. In today’s age of instant communication, why was there no mechanism in place to dispel these rumours immediately?
  2. Inadequate Emergency Response:
    There appears to have been a lack of proper safety announcements or intervention from train authorities to manage the situation effectively. Could timely communication have prevented passengers from resorting to such desperate actions?
  3. Infrastructural Shortcomings:
    The track curvature where the accident occurred reduced visibility, making it difficult for the Karnataka Express driver to take preventive action. This raises questions about railway infrastructure planning in high-risk areas.

The Path Forward: Prioritising Passenger Safety

This tragedy highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms in India’s railway system to prevent future incidents. Some essential steps include:

  1. Real-Time Emergency Communication:
    Railway authorities must implement systems for instant communication with passengers during emergencies. Announcements via intercoms or mobile alerts can help manage panic and provide clear instructions.
  2. Enhanced Safety Protocols:
    • Training for railway staff to handle crises effectively.
    • Public education campaigns to teach passengers how to respond to emergencies without endangering themselves.
  3. Infrastructural Improvements:
    • Better track design in areas with poor visibility.
    • Installation of real-time monitoring systems to detect and address emergencies swiftly.
  4. Accountability and Transparency:
    A thorough investigation by the Railway Protection Force and the Government Railway Police is essential. Findings should be made public, and those responsible for lapses must be held accountable.
  5. Proactive Crisis Prevention:
    • Conduct safety drills regularly to prepare passengers and staff for emergencies.
    • Equip trains with smoke detectors and surveillance systems to detect and prevent mishaps.

Human Life Is Invaluable

This horrific incident underscores a grim truth: complacency in railway safety costs lives. Compensation for victims’ families may provide temporary solace, but it is systemic change—accountability, better infrastructure, and proactive measures—that will ensure such tragedies are not repeated.

The government and railways must prioritise safety and adopt a passenger-first approach. Every human life lost to negligence or preventable accidents is an indictment of a system that must do better. India cannot afford to let its railways become a stage for avoidable tragedies.


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