The rail users and common people have expressed grave concern over frequent rail mishaps all over the country and the recent two in Odisha.
“Rail accidents were rare in the past. But now the situation is such that we doubt if we can reach our destination safely,” said Alaka Swain who goes by train to Bargarh everyday for her official work.
“What we saw earlier in cinema, that we see now practically in the Indian Railways. Fire in train in MP and Odisha reminds us of the film ‘Burning Train’. And it is high time for the railway and the Central Government to look into the safety and security of the passengers on priority basis,” said Ajit Panda, a conscious citizen cum a reputed businessman.
Two mishaps in consecutive days in Rourkela and Keonjhar don’t bode well for the department. At the same time, such incidents have been common all over the country. When the Railways takes it casually, it is the Government that needs to rise to the occasion, he suggested further.
Siddharth Das, a senior leader of BJD, criticised the wrong policy of the Central Government. “Previously, there was a separate budget for the Railways. Consequently, more attention could be given on the sector. But after change in policy and bringing a combined budget with that of the general one, the importance of this major wing of communication has virtually diminished,” he said.
The statements of a few local BJP leaders are further alarming. Most of them did not appreciate the competency of the present Rail Minister and demand to bring back Suresh Prabhu.
“Even if there were also accidents during the period of Suresh Prabhu, still his sincerity and honesty was beyond doubt,” they said requesting anonymity.
“Frequent accidents and mishaps are nothing but sheer irresponsibility and carelessness that tarnish the very image of the Government,” they added urging that the Prime Minister take the matter with all seriousness.