DIMAPUR, APRIL 27 (MExN): The Concerned Citizens Forum, Rangapahar Crossing has raised concern over frequent accidental deaths involving trains at Rangapahar Crossing, stating that the situation has become “grave” with more than 30 human lives lost over the past two decades.
A press release from Hetokhu Awomi, Convenor of the forum, stated that thousands of domestic animals have also been killed during the same period. It added that records of such incidents are available with the police, but alleged that the railway authorities have not taken adequate preventive measures. “So far the railway department is not taking preventive measures for the safety of living beings, which is a heinous crime in the eyes of the law,” it said.
The forum highlighted a recent series of incidents, including the deaths of a husband and wife in separate train accidents within two months, followed by another fatality involving a man in a similar incident. It said these incidents have left residents in shock and fear.
According to the release, Rangapahar, Thahekhu and Sangtamtilla villages together have a population of over 15,000, and the railway track runs through the middle of the area for over 3 kilometres, effectively dividing the locality into two parts. Residents from both sides are required to cross the tracks daily to access places of worship, schools and other public spaces.
“There is no safety passage such as an underground tunnel or bridges within the stretch of 3 Km and this is causing fatal accidents & significant loss of human and animal lives,” the forum stated.
It further pointed out that inadequate water drainage along the railway tracks leads to flooding in the area during the rainy season, compounding the risks faced by residents. The forum said this presents an opportunity for authorities to address both safety and flooding concerns through timely intervention.
The forum cautioned that if prompt action is not taken, it would initiate legal proceedings to claim compensation for the loss of human lives, livestock and damages caused by the railway authorities.
