Residents say no to celebrations near rail tracks

Divya Sharma

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 22

People residing near railway tracks of Inderpuri, Mohini Park and Kot Khalsa feel that no celebration should be held close to tracks.

Many have resolved of refraining of holding Dasehra celebration close to track. They are even ready to protest against any such proposal in future.

Roshan, a resident of Inderpuri, near railway crossing No. 22, said, “Dasehra has been taking place from around two years close to tracks. This time too people were standing on the lines. Luckily no train came.” The frequency of trains, people present to celebrate the festivity is much lesser compared to Joda Fatak, but a possibility of an accident cannot be ruled out, claimed locals.

Fifty-seven people were killed and many injured by a speeding train at Joda Fatak during Dasehra celebrations last week. Sarabhjit Singh, a resident of Sundar Nagar, Kot Khalsa said, “Children from the family insist on going there. We don’t encourage but at times it is not possible.”

“I had been going to Durigana Temple for the festival in the past. People should go for safer places,” said an elderly living in the area.

The track a part of lives

The deadly train accident has acted an eye opener for the residents near track but they say this track is part and parcel of their lifestyle. People have found a pastime in playing cards near tracks, a solace in sitting in groups discussing their lives.

“I have two grandsons-Pawan and Dheeraj. They keep playing near the tracks, sometimes on it. I make sure to sit outside my house to keep an eye on them, ” said Benasari (70), a resident of Ravidas colony on side of track. “Post dark, men keep loitering here. Sitting in groups, enjoying drinks,” said Ajay another resident.

Many can feel the pain of the victims as they belong to similar surroundings.

“I have been living here from past many years. I am aware of all the trains’ movement including arrival and departure time. I feel sorry for the residents, I wish they were a little cautious,” said Ranjit Rana, a lab assistant in a school.