Railway mishap raises concerns about safety of site inspection staff

Monday's incident in which two engineers from the Central Railway's telecommunication department were run over by an outstation train as they were inspecting faults on the railway tracks between Kopar and Bhiwandi, has raised concerns about the security of the railway's site staff.

Monday's incident in which two engineers from the Central Railway's telecommunication department were run over by an outstation train as they were inspecting faults on the railway tracks between Kopar and Bhiwandi, has raised concerns about the security of the railway's site staff.

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This is not the first incident in which railway staff have died on duty. In the past, gangmen working on railway tracks have suffered a similar fate. However the Central Railway refuses to take responsibility for the mishaps.

"It is an unfortunate incident, but it did not occur due to poor safety measures. We have a time-tested system to protect the maintenance staff working on railway tracks, fluorescent jackets for gangmen to provide them with visibility and safety gear," said a senior railway official.

He added that the railway announces a mega block to carry out maintenance work. The motormen are given memos informing them about the work being undertaken and the speed restrictions. The gangmen are provided with whistles to alert the staff at site about trains.