Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Shocking incident

The report that 17 persons near Kancheepuram were killed at an unmanned level crossing after a train rammed the autorickshaw in which they were travelling (Nov. 1) is shocking. The Tamil Nadu Government and the Railways have paid compensation to the families of the dead. Instead of paying monetary compensation, the Railways with the help of State Governments can conduct a nationwide survey of unmanned railway gates and appoint people to man them besides constructing pucca gates.

This will not only generate employment but also help to avoid gruesome accidents. Money cannot compensate the loss of lives.

K.S. Rangachary,
Chennai

* * *

One is surprised at the way the loss of 17 lives is treated in our country. The State Government should have initiated a crackdown on share-autos that carry overloads of passengers. How can 16 persons be packed in a share-auto like sardines?

The simple lesson from this gruesome accident is: adhering to basic norms is life saving. There are a number of share-autos running inside Chennai carrying far too many people. There are also other vehicles that carry an overload of school children. Before something serious happens, the authorities must ensure that such violations are totally eliminated.

K.S. Ramakrishnan,
Chennai

* * *

One wonders how the driver could pack 16 persons in a share-auto that is authorised to carry only six persons. No one seems to be addressing such gross violations. Autorickshaws, regular and shared, plying on the roads with the number of people far exceeding the number permitted is a common sight.

We hope the police and other authorities concerned will wake up to the danger and crack down on such violations before more accidents take place.

S. Radhika,
Chennai

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