Thane commuters’ panel to survey, find causes of train accidents

The committee will write to railway authority regarding the same and seek permission to carry out surveys at stations and accident spots in the presence of railway officials

Thane district railways passengers association is set to form a ‘Safety Committee,’ which will work to curb the number of accidents due to overcrowded local trains.

The report will feature the number of accidents and measures to curb these accidents. (HT FILE)

The committee will soon write to the railway authority regarding the same and seek permission to carry out surveys at railway stations and accident spots in the presence of railway officials.

The committee will include the senior members of the association, a retired judge and senior journalists. The aim of the committee is to survey and come up with measures to prevent railway accidents.

“The suburban stations on Central Railway (CR) witness thousands of accidents, due to overcrowding, colliding with poles, trespassing and so on. However, no effective measures have been implemented by the railway authority to curb the number of accidents, which are increasing day by day,” said Omprakash Sharma, president, Thane District Railway Passengers Association.

He added, “The committee members will visit the stations carrying out the survey and the survey report will be sent to the railway authority.”

Sharma said that they would write to higher authorities of CR next week, requesting them to ensure one of their officials accompany them while they undertake the survey.

The report will feature the number of accidents and measures to curb these accidents.

“It’s a good move and the railway authority should cooperate with the association members forming this committee, which will help us resolve the commuters’ issues,” said Kavita Prabhu, 48, a commuter from Thane.

Milind Patil, 54, a commuter from Thane, said requests to the railway to increase the frequency of trains have failed to bear fruit.

“Though complaints have been lodged many times to the railways regarding increasing the frequency of local services, it all falls on deaf ears, as the officials are yet to initiate measures to control the number of accidents,” said Patil, 54.

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“Every year, around 40% of accidents take place due to the poles between the tracks. However, there are around 10 – 12 stations, which consist of such poles, which need to be removed immediately. While other kinds of accidents include trespassing and overcrowding,” said Sharma.