Death on the tracks

Human error and disregard for safety is being identified as one of the main reasons for rail accidents:

by Husna Inayathullah and Kishani Samaraweera

Human error or mechanical failure? Which is the real culprit in train accidents? Railway authorities attribute human error as the main cause of accidents, which could be prevented if people are alert and follow instructions, but admit in some instances train accidents occur due to mechanical failure, human error or due to both. Train accidents are caused due to derailment or at level crossings, either protected or unprotected and people are killed. According to the Department of Railways, in 2015, the number of deaths due to train accidents reported in the Colombo Division was 125.

Operating Superintendent of Railways, Colombo Division ,V.S Polwattage said almost every level crossing is protected and in addition the Railways Department has put up signboards and warnings on Railway platforms and at level crossings, indicating that the public should be careful when getting across these level crossings.

"There are private level crossings subject to conditions. These crossings are manned by private individuals who are responsible for that particular crossing and are also liable for any deaths or casualties or any other damage caused at the level crossing," he said.

Unprotected rail gates

Manoranjitham,(60) years, a regular train commutor who travelled from Vavuniya to Colombo said she could vouch there were no rail gates between the main gates in the Vanni district. "Unprotected rail gates and stations where there were no rail gates are the main reasons for accidents," she said.

"I saw a person ending her life by jumping out of a train travelling from Kurunegala to Colombo. It was a terrifying experience. Suicides cannot be prevented but accidents can, if the necessary steps are taken to prevent them," she said.

Refeering to rail gates, Polwattage said there were practical difficulties when the road is broad. Half barriers are used and people ignore it and go through. Cyclists and passengers creep through the small gap.

"According to the Traffic Ordinance, it was an offence to walk through a level crossing when it is closed. Such people can be arrested and produced in court for attempted suicide," he said.

He said in certain instances when the public do not have an alternative route, they are given permission subject to conditions, to use a road parallel to the rail track. A special licence is given to these residents, which has to be renewed annually.

A regular train commuter who wished to remain anonymous, said accidents occur when people disregard instruction boards. "Commuters must pay heed to instructions and warning boards. A case in point is the bridge at the Fort Railway station. Though they should cross platforms using the bridge, most of them don't. This is dangerous. Accidents can never be prevented if people do not heed instructions," he said.

The use of mobile phones is another cause that is attributed to train accidents. Many of them cross rail tracks while chatting on mobile phones oblivious to signboards and signals.

Commuter negligence

Gunasiri (58) with 30 years service at the Railways Department said he had seen train accidents in Kalutara, Puttalam and Aluthgama. "Train accidents occur mainly due to commuter negligence. The rail gate is closed for a reason, but people take a risk and use it. When an accident occurs, they are quick to point an accusing finger at the Railway authorities saying no preventive action was put in place, which is not true," Gunasiri said.

He said commuters should use the overheard bridge, not stray cats and dogs.

Polwattage said schoolchildren travell on the footboard, this was another major cause for accidents. "While travelling on the footboard, there have been instances where children were struck by signal posts or bags get entangled and they fall out of the train. Creating an awareness of the dangers of travelling on the footboard was a must,"he said.

Referring to handrails on trains, he said a handrail could only hold a weight of up to 150kgs, but a number of people hang on to it. If the handrail gives way, one can't imagine the catastrophe that will occur. All of them will be thrown because of the momentum of the train. There are instances when the handrails are corroded inside and looks good on the outside. "Commuters should take these issues seriously because it is one's life which is at stake'" he said.

Awareness programs to educate school children who travel by train, a national plan to accommodate a large number of commuters and fencing on the sides of the railway track were some of the preventive measures, he suggested. "Train accidents are an indirect consequence of lack of adequate resources and infrastructure facilities," he said.

Railway track

He said fencing on the sides of the railway track, in areas where there is traffic was a must."The Department of Railways has suggested fencing as a measure to prevent accidents but they had not received a favorable response from the Ministry of Transport" he said.

"Given the limited resources we have done everything possible for the safety of passengers. However, there were practical difficulties, especially relating to staff." Trains were one of the best ways to solve the problem of growing traffic. Commuters prefer train travel and the Railways Department does not have the resources to cater to them. It is an offence to board the train and get off the train , when the train is on the move but commuters dis regard this and get off the train or jump into it, putting their lives at grave risk.

Many travel by train since it is convenient and saves time and board it, even if they have to travel on the footboard to reach their destination. 'People are struggling to keep up with this busy lifestyle and as a result have found the easy way out, disregarding safety and risking lives. Is it worth the risk? he asked.