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Recurring derailments in Kerala: NHRC notice to Railways

 

  • NHRC sought explanation from Railways following reports of serious problems on the tracks
  • The Railway Engineers Association had warned that tracks in the state are damaged at 202 locations.

 

Kerala derailments NHRC notice to Railways


As the recurring rail accidents posing a threat to the safety of train passengers in Kerala, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has served a notice to Southern Railways. The NHRC took the issue seriously following reports that the rail tracks in the state are severely damaged and are in need of immediate replacement at more than 200 locations. 

 

The notice, sent to Railway Board Chairman, stated that by leaving the tracks unsafe, the Railways compromised the 'right to life' guaranteed by the Constitution. The Commission has asked Railways to file an explanation within four weeks. 


Read more: ‘Tracks seriously damaged at 202 locations in Kerala; Railway ignored warning.'

 

Incidentally, the notice was served on the day when the rail traffic in Kerala was thrown out of gear after four bogies of a goods train derailed at Karunagappally in Kollam on 20 September.  Tracks were damaged at a length of 150 meters in the accidents. 

 

On 28 August, Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore Express got derailed at Karukutty in Ernakulam disrupting the rail traffic for more than three days. As many as 13 compartments skidded off the track, but the passengers on board were lucky to escape a major tragedy as the bogies did not overturn. A preliminary inquiry by Railways had found that the derailment was caused by faulty repairing of damaged tracks.

 

Also read: Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore Express derailed in Kerala; passengers safe

 

After the mishap in August, the Railway Engineers Association had warned that at least 202 tracks under Thiruvananthapuram Division of Southern Railway are seriously damaged and are in need of immediate replacement and the quick fix solution of repairing them will only result in accidents in near future. 


 

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