Letter.

Letter Published in The National UAE on 31 Dec 13Indian railways need attention

The article Fire highlights India’s need to upgrade its railways (December 28) rightly pointed out that the country’s railway infrastructure is outdated.

Train accidents such as the recent one that occurred in Andhra Pradesh in which 26 people were killed can be averted if the government upgrades the railways. Such accidents are frequent and reflect poorly on the country.

Incidents of fire in trains are mostly caused due to short circuit. Many of them can be avoided if the railway authorities periodically monitored and inspected air-conditioned coaches.

Every compartment also should have a fire alarm that can alert the driver in case of an emergency. Inquiries are routinely conducted into accidents. In this case too, an inquiry will be conducted and possibly the victims’ next of kin will be compensated. But who will take the responsibility for the loss of so many lives?

I pray for the victims and wish speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries.

K Ragavan, India