Unregulated level crossings claim lives as railways struggle to manage risks

Out of 2,789 level crossings on Bangladesh’s railway network, only 564 have gatemen, leaving the majority unmonitored and unsafe. 

Shockingly, 1,321 crossings were built without railway approval, while 904 approved crossings lack gatemen, exposing commuters to grave risks.

The absence of proper oversight has led to frequent accidents. On January 15, a Nachhgimon (locally developed three-wheeler) collided with a train at Munshibari rail crossing in Faridpur, killing its driver, Sujan Mia (24). Just days earlier, on January 7, six passengers of a microbus died when the Madhumoti Express hit them at Munshibazar Kafura rail crossing in Faridpur. Such tragedies are common across the country, yet effective measures to prevent them remain elusive.

Unauthorised crossings and lack of accountability

According to Bangladesh Railways, 1,321 unauthorised crossings exist nationwide. Of these, 458 were built by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), 502 by Union Parishads funded by LGED, 12 by the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), 54 by City Corporations, 9 by Upazila Parishads, 116 by Municipalities, and 170 by private entities.

Railway Director General Md. Afzal Hossain lamented the lack of coordination, stating, "Many government and private organisations build roads over railway lines without permission, bypassing the Railway Act. Legally, we are not responsible, but the railway bears the blame."

He highlighted a systemic issue: while organisations are required to bear the costs of crossings, including gatemen’s salaries, most ignore this obligation. "Ten years ago, a project funded by the Ministry of Finance covered some crossings, but it has ended. Now, we cannot pay salaries for gatemen at those crossings," he explained.

Rising death toll

Railway Police data reveals a grim picture. In 2024 alone, 998 cases of train-related deaths were registered, with 1,117 bodies recovered. Of these, 794 were men and 223 women. Causes included sitting or walking on tracks (504 deaths), careless crossing (272), wearing earphones (76), falling from trains (23), and unknown reasons (142).

In 2023, 1,054 cases were filed, with 1,064 deaths reported. Similar patterns emerged, with 502 deaths due to sitting or walking on tracks, 387 from careless crossings, 23 from falling off trains, 18 from wearing earphones, and 134 from unknown causes.

Calls for modernisation and coordination

Professor Dr Md Hadiuzzaman of BUET’s Civil Engineering Department emphasised the need for modernization. "Many influential organizations build crossings without permission. They must take responsibility for accidents. Railways cannot be blamed," he said.

He recommended installing speed breakers, lights, and sound signals at crossings to alert drivers, especially during foggy conditions. "We need signal automation, like in neighbouring countries. Although costly, it’s a necessary investment to save lives," he added.

Hadiuzzaman also stressed the importance of enforcing railway laws. "If another government institution builds a crossing, it must bear all costs. Without coordinated efforts, accidents will continue to rise," he warned.

A systemic failure

The lack of gatemen at approved crossings further exacerbates the problem. In the eastern region, 189 out of 434 approved crossings lack gatemen, while in the western region, 715 out of 1,034 crossings are unmanned.

Afzal Hossain acknowledged the challenges, stating, "Some crossings date back to the British era, when traffic was minimal. Now, with increased infrastructure, these unmanned crossings are dangerous. We need gate barriers and manpower to ensure safety."

He urged the government to launch a dedicated project to address the issue, emphasizing the need for manpower and infrastructure upgrades to protect lives and property.

The unchecked construction of level crossings and the absence of proper safety measures have turned railway lines into death traps. Without coordinated efforts, modernisation, and strict enforcement of railway laws, such tragedies will persist, leaving innocent lives at risk.