Congress Leader Criticizes Railway Safety Following Assam Train Accident
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury raises concerns over railway maintenance after a train accident in Assam, questioning government accountability.
Murshidabad, November 11 (Daily Kiran) : Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury expressed grave concerns regarding the recent train accident involving the Sairang Express in Assam. He directed his criticism toward the railway authorities and the central government, attributing the accidents to lapses in maintenance.
Chowdhury pointed out that despite the railway’s lofty claims about safety, incidents continue to occur at an alarming rate. He urged the government to investigate the reasons behind these frequent accidents and identify where the system is failing.
The recent accident reportedly resulted in multiple injuries, although the exact number of fatalities was not immediately clear. Chowdhury noted that comprehensive information might be provided later by the railway authorities. He questioned why such incidents persist despite the government’s assurances of safety, suggesting that there are significant shortcomings that must be addressed.
He also highlighted the tendency for committees to be formed after each accident, which subsequently submit reports indicating areas needing improvement. However, he criticized the lack of urgency in implementing the recommended measures. Proper maintenance, he argued, could prevent such tragedies from affecting ordinary citizens.
Chowdhury raised concerns about the reduction in staff responsible for railway maintenance, stating that this shortage contributes to various issues within the system. He referenced incidents of brake failures as indicative of maintenance deficiencies.
Furthermore, he accused the government of prioritizing high-profile projects like the bullet train while neglecting the everyday challenges faced by regular passengers and the essential maintenance of railways. In the pursuit of becoming a global leader, he lamented that the issues plaguing ordinary travelers are not receiving adequate attention.
He warned that if the government continues to form new committees without acting on their recommendations, more accidents are likely to occur. Previous committees have already alerted the government to necessary reforms and spending priorities. It is unfortunate, he concluded, that ordinary passengers are forced to travel at risk due to the government’s negligence.
