A total of 360 level crossings in the Lalmonirhat Division of Railways remain without gates or gatemen, making them increasingly hazardous. With accidents on the rise, railway officials acknowledge the growing risks but offer no immediate solution.
Lalmonirhat Railway Division spans 540 km of railway lines and includes 1,939 level crossings. Among them, only 413 have both gates and gatemen. Another 1,166 crossings have gates but no assigned gatemen, while 360 remain completely unguarded.
Most accidents occur at these unprotected crossings, particularly at night and during winter when visibility is low. Many collisions happen because people misjudge the speed of oncoming trains.
Investigations reveal that both government and private organizations have built roads over railway tracks without authorization. These roads, constructed overnight in violation of the Railway Act, have further increased the dangers at crossings.
According to sources, fatalities in Saidpur Railway District totaled 92 in 2022, rising to 101 in 2023 before declining to 58 in 2024.
Despite the high risk, 28 trains continue to run daily from Rangpur’s Kaunia Junction, including 10 intercity services. At least 12 crossings on the Rangpur-Kaunia route have become known as death traps. In some areas, railway authorities have placed signboards warning of unmanned crossings instead of taking action to improve safety.
Rangpur Railway Station Master Shankar Ganguly acknowledged the issue, stating, "The railway department is working to secure the level crossings. Construction of gates and the appointment of gatemen will help reduce the problem."
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
