Sep 26, 2011
Pics by Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network
For ages, the train has been the lifeline of generations of students from the border regions of north Kerala seeking education in Mangalore. It may be their most preferred mode of conveyance, but, as we found out, also the most dangerous.
Mangalore being the hub of education has a large number of students especially from Kerala travelling a considerable distance every day. A majority of them choose to travel by train, as it is not only cheaper but faster too. Over the years, with advancement in education and the increase in the number of colleges in the city, not to mention employment opportunities, there has been a corresponding increase in the number of passengers in these trains too. However, the number of trains being limited, they are forced to vie for seats or simply 'hang out' precariously, courting danger every day of their lives.
The Chervattoor-Mangalore passenger train, for instance, has 11 compartments, and when it reaches Uppala, around 500 passengers board the train. Another 700 get in at Manjeshwar. With this kind of crowd, it is no wonder that many of them are left hanging on to dear life with just a foot on the doorstep. A slight jerk or a push can prove fatal, but there doesn't seem to be any other option for the hapless students either as they are entirely dependent on the train to ferry them. Another frightening fact is that many a time through the journey, prickly bushes strewn on the side of the railway track brush past the passengers, potentially hurting them.
Most of the students hailing from regions like Hosadurga, Kasargod, Kumble, Uppala, Manjeshwar study in Mangalore and travel by this train putting their lives at risk. Many incidents of falling off the train have also been reported.
Girl students prefer journeying by this train as it is free for them with a monthly pass of just Rs 5. Apart from students, those working in the city also travel by this train.
The situation was not this bad earlier, when the private bus service between Kasargod and Mangalore was in operationin full fledge before a lid was put on it over the issue of permits after a Supreme Court order following nationalisation of roads. A 100 private buses services were stopped, and now only 15 to 20 that managed to renew their permits ply on this route. Moreover, as no pass facility is given to students by KSRTC, students prefer to travel by this jam-packed train.
When the train reach Uppala, it is overcrowded, and after reaching Manjeshwar railway station the situation gets worse. Though there are two ladies'compartments, railway personnel and Railway Mail Service occupy majority of the space in them, it is alleged. Thus girl students are also forced to travel in general compartments wherein incidents of ragging and sexual harassment are reported by victims time and again. A teacher says she once noticed boys misbehaving with girls in the train, but in the absence of security, was helpless. Cases have been registered in Kumble police station, and as a measure to curb this menace, a police personnel was stationed in each of the compartments. But the measure was shortlived, as very soon, the policemen simply stopped boarding the train.
The trend has made parents fear for their children's safety. One parent, whose son studies in a medical college in the city and who travels everyday by this train, says that it is worrying to see his son and scores like him risking their lives. Getting accomadation in the city, where PGs and hostels are already brimming, is not an easy task, he adds.
Despite all the risks and fears, no action seems to be taken by the railway authority to fix the problem, even after an appeal was made to the Phalghat division.
As per one estimate, at least four more compartments in the Chervattoor-Mangalore train is the need of the hour. Also, Maveli train from Thiruvananthapuram could halt at Uppala, Manjeshwar and Kumble stations to lessen the burden and make the journey comfortable and safe for all.
For how long will innocent lives be at risk while authorities turn the other way?
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