Railway clarifies on safety: BMTC bus hit rail track due to trespass, not gate lapse

Bengaluru: The South Western Railway (SWR) on Sunday said the recent collision involving a BMTC bus and a train near Sadarmangala was caused by unauthorised trespassing on railway land, and not due to any lapse in safety measures at a level crossing.

Responding to a DH report titled ‘Reality check: Several railway crossings in the city lack basic safety measures’, published on February 8, the SWR stated that the bus had intruded into railway property at a location not designated as a level crossing.

Despite the presence of sleepers and fencing, people continue to trespass across railway tracks to access Sadarmangala Road, the railways said, adding that such actions pose serious risks to life.

“The public is requested to refrain from trespassing on railway tracks, as it is a punishable offence and endangers safety,” the SWR said in its clarification.

Addressing safety concerns raised at other locations, the railways provided the following updates:

Shampura (Level Crossing 143): Road-widening has been proposed between Banaswadi and Hebbal. Signal-shifting work is currently in progress to facilitate the project.

Kodigehalli (LC No 10): The level crossing has been eliminated following the construction of a Road Under Bridge (RUB). A pedestrian subway has been sanctioned, with the tender process nearing completion.

Yelahanka Yard: The railway portion of a new subway was completed in 2023. However, construction of approach roads by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) remains stalled due to land acquisition issues.