62 gatemen for 1006 level crossings in Pakshey divn

Believe it or not, over 90 percent of the level crossings in Pakshey division under the West Zone of Bangladesh Railway (BR) are without any officially arranged gatemen.

"Vehicular movement is allowed through 158 of the 1006 level crossings in Pakshey division. But there are only 62 gatemen for as many level crossings. Moreover, the restriction at 848 level crossings is hardly implemented," said Shawkat Jamil, divisional transport officer (DTO) of BR.

"The situation leads to frequent accidents. One hundred and sixty-five people died in accidents at different level crossings under the West Zone of BR in last 14 years.

"On August 14, four policemen met tragic death as the driver of the van carrying them tried to cross Dhelapir rail crossing in Syedpur of Nilphamari district although a train was crossing the spot that time. As the busy level crossing remains without any gateman, a signboard with cautionary message was hung beside it," said Shawkat Jamil, who also served as head of the four-member inquiry committee formed after the accident.

Visiting unprotected level crossings in different areas, this correspondent found pedestrians and vehicles moving carelessly there.

In some places locals set temporary gates with bamboo and engaged gatemen for small wages to avert accidents.

"Requested by locals, I am working as gateman at Guakhora level crossing in Chatmohar upazila of Pabna, setting bamboo gates here, to check vehicular movement during crossing of the trains. Sometime the vehicle drivers give me Tk 5 to 10 as tips but I do not get any salary," said Md Abdul Gaffar, resident of a nearby village.

"We could not appoint gatemen at every level crossing under Pakshey division due to lack of manpower," said DTO Shawkat Jamil.