Dhaka: Bangladesh Railway (BR) has undertaken a series of measures to prevent incidents of stone-throwing on moving trains and strengthen safety and security of the train operations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the state-run service provider took various measures at its monthly operational review meeting with BR Director General Md Afzal Hossain in the chair. "Under the measures, the Bangladesh railway will identify stone-throwing-prone areas and take necessary preventive measures aimed at ensuring safety and security of trains along with passengers," BR Director General Md Afzal Hossain told BSS here today.
The railway authorities will distribute awareness leaflets on the Cox's Bazar railway route and engage local community leaders and influential persons in efforts to prevent stone-throwing incidents. Md Afzal Hossain urged the public to build awareness about the harmfulness of stone-throwing incidents on moving trains, which can wound passengers and damage public property.
Officials concerned have been instructed to immediately inform the police about stone-throwing incidents so that the Government Railway Police (GRP) can take legal action against those involved. The Divisional Railway Managers will send letters containing information on stone-throwing incidents to Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) in areas identified as vulnerable to facilitate preventive action.
According to the meeting decisions, location-specific information on such incidents will be communicated to the Additional Inspector General of GRP through official correspondence. It was further decided that the GRP would take necessary measures to prevent stone-throwing towards moving trains as well as theft and robbery, including ACP (Aluminum Composite Pane), air-conditioning, and signalling equipment.
Bangladesh Railway has also decided to enforce stricter measures to prevent passengers from travelling on the roofs of trains.