LAHORE: In a bid to control the increasing train accidents and derailments, the Ministry of Railways on Wednesday directed all divisional superintendents (DSs) to start installing an ‘automated’ public warning system at all manned and unmanned level crossings in the country.

A meeting presided over by PR Chairman Dr Habibur Rehman Gilani decided to immediately launch surveys to identify unauthorised passages made under or over the railways tracks.

“For such surveys, latest geo mapping method should be used. Moreover, all such unauthorised passages must be closed. And if any accident happens at such spots, respective assistant executive engineer and the railways police DSP would be held responsible,” said PR Chairman Dr Gilani while chairing the meeting.

He said the railway police would be responsible to lodge FIR over criminal negligence if found on the part of officials in any accident.

The chairman further said the roads stretches linking to the manned or unmanned level crossings must be repaired. Moreover, important notice boards inscribed with safety, crossing of the tracks should be fixed near the gates within a week.

“The staff deployed at the manned railway level crossings must be imparted necessary training related to safe passage of the trains and crossing of the track. The physical fitness of such officials must be ensured before posting them at the level crossings,” he added.

He said the automated public warning system should be completed under a phased manner.

It was decided that all busy manned level crossings must be provided with telephone facility so that the staff present on duty should be informed about passage of the train on time. The participants also gave the go-ahead to the railway administration to replace the outdated hand signals, which were being run with kerosene oil, with those having LED lights.

SHOPS: Various teams of the city administration on Wednesday sealed 39 shops in parts of the city for flouting Covid-19 protocol.

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2020