Surge in accidents at unauthorised level crossings in Feni

FENI, Feb 07 (UNB): In Feni, a concerning rise in accidents at railway tracks, especially at unauthorised level crossings, has led to eight fatalities and numerous injuries over the past four months. These incidents, often resulting from a combination of unauthorised crossings, gateman negligence, and the public's lack of awareness, underscore the urgent need for improved railway safety measures.
Swapna Rani Debi, a 42-year-old land deed writer, tragically lost her life under a train while navigating the level crossing at Shahdadpur, highlighting the grave risks associated with these crossings. The Feni railway sector, stretching 27 kms from Sashardi to Muhuriganj, comprises 22 authorised and 12 unauthorised crossings, with a significant concentration of the latter at Muhuriganj.
Riton Chakma, deputy assistant engineer of Railway's East region, said, "Roads are being built over the level crossing and six unauthorised level-crossings are in Muhuriganj point alone while six others are in Sashardi, Dewanganj and Fazilpur points."
Despite efforts to close these unauthorised paths, locals continue to create new routes, often leading to disastrous outcomes.
Feni Barahipur level crossing gateman, Jibon, noted that despite lowering gates upon receiving signals, impatience and reckless attempts to cross the tracks contribute significantly to the accidents.
Feni Rail Station Master Md Harun attributes the proliferation of unauthorised crossings to residential developments along the railway, exacerbating the risk of trackside fatalities.
In addition to Swapna Rani Debi, the past four months have seen the deaths of Farida Yeasmin, Md Rubel, Md Sharif, and Shahidul Islam on the Dhaka-Chattogram railway track in Feni, with three other victims remaining unidentified.