Dying on holiday travel

Ninety lives were lost across the country during the just-concluded Eid holidays. There is the question of why Eid holidays or any holidays for that matter must be marred annually by the sudden, unnatural deaths of citizens on the roads, on the rivers and in train mishaps. Much noise is made before Eid of the security measures taken to ensure that no tragedy takes place as people make their way home. But tragedy does take place, with overloaded buses, launches, boats and trains making their way into the interior of the country. A launch is seen taking in passengers in excess of its capacity, with the authorities looking on helplessly. Similar is the story with buses and trains. Perhaps if there were more traffic personnel to oversee the workings of the launches, buses and trains, conditions would be better?

From here on, measures should be taken to increase the number of the various modes of transport people could avail of as they approach such holidays every year.

As for the accidents that have already occurred on Eid this year, it is only proper that swift inquiries be made to identify the causes and individuals responsible. Unless punitive measures are in place, people will go on dying even as they set out for home in good cheer.

For their part, travelers too need to exercise caution and patience to minimize the chances of accidents.