A tempting short-cut, but often a death-trap

Y. Maheswara Reddy | NT

The railway track between Cox Town and Jeevanahalli has become a dangerous spot for unwary pedestrians who want to reach either side in a hurry. The unbarricaded railway track on Jeevanahalli side is a short-cut for people who want to reach Cox Town.The railway authorities have constructed an underpass to facilitate movement of vehicles and pedestrians from Jeevanahalli to reach Cox Town, but not many pedestrians use it. They prefer to cross the railway line rather than walking a few hundred meters to use the underpass.

On Monday morning an unwary pedestrian was run over by a train. While the body was lying near the track, people were still seen crossing the railway line.

“The opening on Jeevanahalli side has become a shortcut for pedestrians to reach Cox Town. I want the railway authorities or Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) authorities to barricade the railway track to prevent the pedestrians from crossing the track,” said Manjunath S., a resident of Jeevanahalli.

The open access to the railway track has become an ideal space for a few people to commit suicide. “I happened to see a person squatting on the railway track apparently to end his life due to reasons best known to him. However, the timely intervention of a few people has saved his life. They forcibly removed him from the railway track,” said Sandeep Ohri, a resident.

He said the engine drivers, perhaps aware that pedestrians will cross, ofen honk before reaching the spot. “Many trains pass through this railw a y line day and night. Honking has become a nightmare for the people residing near the railway track. It would be difficult for children, senior citizens and people suffering from illness to sleep at night,” he said.

Meanwhile, South Western Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Aneesh Hegde has said that some people have already brought this problem to his notice. “I have informed the Divisional Railway Manager about this problem. Walking on the railway track is considered a trespass and it is an offence. We will not only raise awareness of railway track crossing dangers but also barricade the open space,” Hegde said.