Dearth of Guards, a setback to SLR

by Kurulu Kariyakarawana

The most shocking train disaster in Pothuhera that resulted in a multi-million rupee loss to the Railway and injured over 60 passengers could have been averted or minimised had an Under-Guard being on board the train to apply a second set of brakes on the Pallai bound Deyata Kirula train that rammed into the Raja Rata Rejina last week, sources said.

Amidst an inquiry now being conducted by a four-member committee appointed to investigate the accident, the Sunday Observer learns that certain railway department higher-ups are trying to sweep the matter under the carpet.

According to railway laws and regulations, two Guards should be deployed on every passenger train if it has more than eight compartments. Generally two trains with six compartments each are coupled on long distance journeys, where two Guards are necessary due to the length of the train. When the Head Guard is positioned at the rear compartment or in the last van the Under Guard should be stationed in the centre of the train who also has access to the brakes.

The Deyata Kirula train had been operated without an Under-Guard on the ill-fated day as the duty Under-Guard had reported sick.

Although the train is not permitted to leave without the Under-Guard, the Deputy Operational Superintendent who was on duty at the time had ordered the train to proceed, it is said.

The collision could have been minimised had the Under-Guard applied the brakes from the centre of the train controlling the major force, the sources said.

It is learnt that the department is facing a severe dearth of Guards at present as vacancies for over 280 Guards and Under Guards had not been filled to date.

When contacted, General Manager of Railways B.A.P. Ariyaratne said that there was a dearth of Guards and if they had adhered to the regulations of enforcing two Guards on a train, many trains would have to be cancelled daily.

Railway sources said that the Guards’ unions are reluctant to fill the vacancies as it would reduce their overtime payments.