<i>No gate men, no gates even</i>
In absence of any gate or gate men, vehicles take risky drive through Amtali rail crossing in Pirganj upazila under Thakurgaon district. Photo: STAR
Vehicles carrying passengers and goods have to cross 70 rail crossings under Thakurgaon rail zone amid risks, as there is no gate men there.
A good number of the level crossings are even without any gate.
During a visit to Amtoli rail crossing on Thakurgaon-Pirganj road, this correspondent got the impression that a newcomer would find it difficult to recognise it as a rail crossing. With trees around, the rail crossing devoid of any gate or gate man gives a strange look.
At least 200 different types of vehicles use the busy and important road every day.
Truck drivers Enamul Haq and Ershad Ali said they face risk to cross Amtoli rail crossing.
About two months ago, driver of a passenger bus reached the rail crossing at noon when he suddenly saw a running train. Failing to control speed on an emergency basis, he plunged the vehicle into a roadside ditch.
Other than the mail trains, passenger and goods trains do not maintain any timetable and so, vehicles crossing the areas are at great risk.
No gate was seen at Akharnagar, Ruhia, Shibganj and some other rail crossings in Sadar upazila. The speed breakers within five yards of the rail line are too inadequate to stop the vehicles or control their speed.
Deputy assistant engineer of Thakurgaon Rail Zone, Saidur Rahman said there is no gate man in any of the 70 rail crossings in 71 kilometre railway under Thakurgaon rail zone.
Thakurgaon Railway authorities informed the higher authorities of the matter several times but to no avail.
In the gates near the rail stations, office staff rush to close and open the gates when a train approaches.
But in case of the gates away from the rail station, it is not possible to close the gates before arrival of trains. The warning boards are also out of order. Consequently, the 71 kilometre railway remains seriously risky for travellers.
“Earlier 170 staff were employed in different stations on 71 kilometre railway under Thakurgaon zone. But only 65 people are now working there after transfer and retirement of a good number of staff,” Thakurgaon Railway Station Master Shamsul Islam said.
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