Install gates to avert accidents
The Railway Department has called upon Local Government authorities to install either automatic rail gates or bamboo gates at unprotected railway crossings countrywide to avert accidents in the future.
Referring to Friday’s train-truck collision at the unprotected railway crossing at Devananda Road, Maharagama on the Kelani Valley Line, where a 58-year old truck driver died on the spot and a 12-year old girl sustained serious injuries, Railway Superintendent Vijaya Samarasinghe said that nearly 706 unprotected railway crossings have been identified in the country’s rural and even thickly populated areas.
“All roads countrywide belong to Provincial Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas and not the Railway Department. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the local authorities to provide adequate protection to vehicle owners and pedestrians,” he said.
Quoting a few incidents which occurred due to the negligence of vehicle owners at protected railway crossings, Samarasinghe said that action had been taken against such vehicle owners for proceeding when the gates were closed.
The Superintendent said that they had brought this matter to the notice of the Local authorities and as soon as the funds are received, they would install power operated permanent gates, automatic barriers and also low cost bamboo gates considering the population in those areas.
He said a railway gate with signal lights costs around Rs. 100,000 and the Department has also taken steps to install gates at the main railway crossings without waiting for the Local authorities to carry out the job.
The Railway Department has taken steps to demolish unauthorised constructions including parapet walls, high-rise buildings and houses which are in close proximity to railway crossings for the benefit of motorists and pedestrians to have a clear view of approaching trains.
He said unauthorised constructions, overgrown shrubs and trees near railway crossings also block the view on either side.
by Ananda KANNANGARA
Source: Sunday Observer
