Lingarajapuram flyover open, but residents want free access across tracks

Lingarajapuram flyover open, but residents want free access across tracks
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Even a year after the construction of the Lingarajapuram flyover for vehicular traffic, the Railways are unable to run more trains on the section passing below, as residents still want right of way across the tracks.

Residents here have been protesting the Railways’ action to erect a permanent barrier where the manned level crossing once stood. But according to the Railways, once a flyover or underpass is built to enable road traffic to move unhindered, the original road is closed and a barrier erected so that trains move freely.

The Railways tried to construct a wall on three occasions, but by the next morning, they were broken. A railing that was erected was also dismantled and carted away.

According to Senior Divisional Safety Officer N. Ramesh, a five km stretch on this line between Yeswanthpur and Banaswadi stations is a nightmare as locals use either side of the tracks as a public toilet, even as school children walk on it.

‘‘We have posted four lookout men to flag down vehicles and people crossing the tracks at four different points including the Lingarajapuram flyover, but people brush aside advice and cross the tracks even as trains approach.’’

There are schools too in the area where children walk on the tracks with gay abandon. ‘‘At one of the places, there is a long curve where it is impossible for the engine driver to see the children. We have removed all vegetation and undergrowth, but still it is dangerous for school kids,’’ he said.

The Railways run a couple of trains in this section, but only two passenger trains run during the day. ‘‘As the number of trains increase, it will become very dangerous for local residents to move on the tracks. Their safety too is important for us. At times, we have to use persuasion and at times force. The locals should help us,’’ another officer said.