Bengaluru Bus Gets Stuck on Railway Tracks Near Kengeri, Raising Serious Safety Concerns
A routine morning in Bengaluru took a dangerous turn when a Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus carrying more than ten passengers got stranded on a railway track at Ramohalli crossing near Kengeri. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, sent shockwaves across the city and sparked serious concerns over railway crossing safety.
The Incident: A Narrow Escape
The bus became stuck on the tracks between Hejjala and Kengeri at approximately 7:15 AM, right in the path of the approaching Mysore-Chennai Vande Bharat Express. The cause of the mishap was later identified as an airlock issue in the vehicle’s braking system, preventing it from moving forward or backward.
Acting swiftly, the driver immediately contacted BMTC officials and railway authorities. Fortunately, authorities responded in time, clearing the bus within 20 minutes by 7:35 AM, preventing a potentially catastrophic accident.
Social Media Frenzy and Public Reactions
Visuals of the bus stranded on the tracks quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention and concern. Citizens took to platforms like Twitter and Facebook, questioning the safety measures at unmanned railway crossings and the need for stricter regulations to avoid such incidents in the future.
Many expressed their frustration over the lack of proper road infrastructure and inefficient traffic management, while others pointed out that railway crossings in Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka have long been accident-prone zones.
Safety Concerns at Railway Crossings
This incident has reignited discussions about railway crossing safety, particularly in cities like Bengaluru where railway lines often intersect with busy roads.
Several key concerns were raised:
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Lack of Automatic Barriers – Many railway crossings in and around Bengaluru still rely on manual gatekeepers or are entirely unmanned, increasing the risk of such incidents.
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Poor Road Design – Uneven roads, sharp inclines, and poorly maintained railway crossings make it difficult for heavy vehicles to pass smoothly.
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Lack of Awareness – Many drivers, especially those operating large vehicles, may not be adequately trained to handle emergencies such as an airlock failure on railway tracks.
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Communication Gaps – While the quick response of authorities in this case was commendable, there remains a need for better coordination between transport and railway officials to prevent future incidents.
Lessons to Learn: Preventive Measures
To prevent similar incidents, the government and transport authorities must take proactive steps to enhance railway crossing safety. Some key measures that could be implemented include:
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Upgrading Unmanned Crossings – Installing automatic gates and warning systems at vulnerable crossings can significantly reduce accidents.
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Better Driver Training – Bus and truck drivers should be trained in handling emergency mechanical failures, particularly at high-risk areas such as railway tracks.
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Improved Road Infrastructure – Railway crossings must be designed with smoother road gradients and proper signage to ensure large vehicles can cross safely.
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Faster Emergency Response Systems – Strengthening communication channels between BMTC, railway authorities, and traffic police can ensure even quicker responses in case of emergencies.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Bengaluru’s Authorities
This incident, though resolved without casualties, should serve as a wake-up call for Bengaluru’s transport authorities. With a rapidly growing population and increasing traffic congestion, ensuring railway crossing safety must become a top priority.
Going forward, it is crucial that city planners, transport departments, and railway officials work together to create a safer commuting environment for both passengers and pedestrians. While quick action prevented disaster this time, Bengaluru cannot afford to take another chance. The time for preventive measures is now.
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