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By Avijit BiswasÂ
Bhagalpur: Violation of railway safety norms has been found to be contributing alarmingly in loss of human lives. The violation of safety norms has been identified as major cause behind high runover incidents on railway tracks resulting in accidental death of both human beings and cattle stock.
If last financial year (2024-25) data of Malda division under eastern railway is taken as case in point it substantiates runover incidents leading to high number of loss of human and cattle lives.
As per information provided by railways total 205 human lives and 237 cattle lives were lost in runover incidents on tracks in Malda division during last financial year.
The railway findings point out illegal crossing of railway lines instead of using foot overbridges primarily to save time, error in judging distance of approaching train while illegally crossing railway lines besides habitual disregard for basic safety norms are prime reasons leading to high number of runover deaths on railway track.
Providing pathway to cattle through railway land particularly through railway tracks besides leaving them to graze near railway tracks often causes runover cattle deaths on tracks, has been stated by railways.
As per findings of Malda division despite alarming loss of human lives and cattle in runover incidents, report suggests in several location illegal crossing of railway tracks bypassing railway overbridges, walking through fields and village paths over railway land beside walking on railway tracks continues to remains popular unsafe practices.
In addition, unsafe passenger behaviours such as travelling on footboards, standing at coach doorways and attempting to board or alight from moving trains also remains matter of serious concern.
Malda Town-Gumani, Bhagalpur-Barharwa-Sahibganj and Bhagalpur-Banka are some of the railway stretches in Malda division that have been identified as vulnerable stretches by railways. There have been frequent reports of runover incidents from the identified railway stretches.
Meanwhile in a bid to create awareness among people about need of following safety awareness norms of railways, an awareness campaign has been initiated by Railway Protection Force (RPF) at divisional level under guidance of Manish Kumar Gupta, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) and Ashim Kumar Kullu, Divisional Safety Commissioner, RPF.
By interacting directly with passengers, students and people in general at different railway stations and adjoining villages, the campaign aims at creating awareness regarding safety norms and need of avoiding unsafe practices that could lead to accidents.
About the Author
Avijit Biswas is a former reporter with the Hindustan Times, Patna Edition, based in Bhagalpur. He has more than 25 years of experience covering politics and other key beats across eastern Bihar. Known for his in-depth ground reporting and strong grasp of regional issues, Biswas has closely followed political developments and social trends in the region, earning credibility for accurate and balanced journalism. Avijt may be contacted at biswasavijit@yahoo.com
About the Author
