The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Train accident

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Friday, Dec 17, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Train accident

Sir, — It is unfortunate that 38 precious lives were lost on Tuesday when the Jammu Tawi Express and the Jalandhar-Pathankot passenger train collided in Punjab. Reports indicate that the collision was the result of the failure of the "block instrument signal system." In such circumstances, the outburst of the Railway Minister, Lalu Prasad, against the stationmasters is uncalled for. He should wait till the inquiry by the Commissioner of Railway Safety is complete. In fact, it is he who is morally responsible for the accident.

P.K. Kalyana Raman,
Chennai

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Sir, — The demand for the resignation of the incumbent Railway Minister in the wake of any accident has become the predictable reaction of the Opposition. But will such resignations improve safety standards? Instead, it will benefit the public if our lawmakers go into the deep-rooted problems that have plagued the Railways for the past several years, and arrive at a consensus on major reforms.

K. Balakesari,
Chennai

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Sir, — There is a common pattern to most accidents. These should be thoroughly scrutinised by the safety department and corrective measures taken to avert such accidents in future.

Sumit Thomas,
Kochi, Kerala

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