The Confederation of All India Rail Users Associations has appealed to the Railways to conduct a comprehensive safety audit in the wake of recurring incidents involving the uprooting of avenue trees onto railway tracks and other rain-related challenges.
At a recent meeting, the Confederation pointed out that several recent incidents, where railway tracks were suddenly blocked by fallen trees and damaged roofing materials, had posed serious risks to passengers. They said that two such incidents occurred within Kozhikode city limits alone, highlighting the urgent need for better safety measures along the tracks.
Confederation chairman C.V. Chakkunni and Kerala regional convener A. Sivasankaran said frequent disruptions had also affected the punctuality of train services. They added that in the absence of alternative arrangements during emergency track maintenance, passengers were often forced to remain on stranded trains for hours.
The Confederation leaders criticised railway authorities for failing to act on safety warnings issued by various rescue agencies ahead of the monsoon season. They urged heightened vigilance, especially given the increasing number of passengers during the monsoon season.
The Confederation members also pointed out that in several instances, the quick clearing of blocked tracks was made possible with the support of residents. They suggested that strengthening cooperation with local communities could help the Railways handle such situations more effectively.
Meanwhile, Railway sources said measures had already been taken to intensify track patrols. Multiple review meetings were conducted following instructions from senior officers to address safety concerns in vulnerable areas, including tunnels, bridges, and waterlogged stretches.
Published – May 30, 2025 08:45 pm IST
