World | Pakistan
Railways will fence off tracks to avert accident
Shaken by a recent accident that killed six school children, Pakistan Railways has decided to fence its tracks in thickly populated areas in an attempt to reduce accidents.
- By Amir Mir, Correspondent
- Published: 00:00 February 10, 2007
Lahore: Shaken by a recent accident that killed six school children, Pakistan Railways has decided to fence its tracks in thickly populated areas in an attempt to reduce accidents.
According to sources, works inspectors in six railway divisions have been asked to submit a pre-action reports within a month on the areas where fencing is vital to controlling accidents.
The divisional superintendents have to submit a detailed report, mentioning sensitive areas where fencing is required.
The children were run over while crossing the tracks near Bahawalpur railway station recently.
Railways Minister Shaikh Rashid Ahmad told a press conference at Railways Headquarters in Lahore last week, said that the Railways would implement a plan to make railway tracks safe to minimise chances of Bahawalpur-like incidents.
He announced that Pakistan Railways will construct 300 underpasses at unmanned level crossings situated near residential localities at a cost of Rs3 billion (Dh187 million).
Illegal constructions
He said the railways is also working on a programme to remove illegal constructions near tracks. The tracks will also be fenced off at all major road points near densely populated towns and cities across the country.
In the Lahore Division alone, 64 people were crushed to death in train-related accidents last year, while another 15 people lost their lives in accidents where trains collided with other vehicles. In 2005, 17 people died in 55 such accidents. Moreover, many people have lost their lives in similar accidents this year.
Share this article
More from Pakistan
More from World
News Editor's choice
-
Into an oasis of values
A place to snuggle in the warmth of old manners away from the bustle of city life
-
The walking MP
Rory Stewart's long walk in life has taken a new turn
-
What drives Africa's new kind of refugees?
Warming-driven factors have led many in the continent to flee their homes
