Rail minister blames local govt, RHD for unauthorised level crossings

Railways minister Nurul Islam Sujan speaks at a press briefing at the Rail Bhaban on Tuesday. Photo: PID
Railways minister Nurul Islam Sujan speaks at a press briefing at the Rail Bhaban on Tuesday. Photo: PID

Railways minister Md Nurul Islam Sujan on Tuesday said about 2,000 level crossings out of 3,200 across the country are unauthorised, reports UNB.

"Permission is needed from the Railways to construct roads over rail lines. But many roads are built without approval," he said at a press briefing at the Rail Bhaban.

He noted that the unauthorised crossings lack safety measures.

Nurul Islam Sujan held the Local Government and the Roads and Highways Department responsible for the roads.

"We're blamed whenever accidents take place at these unauthorised crossings," he said. "We'll identify these unauthorised crossings and ensure security there."

Ten members of a bridal party, including the newlywed couple, were killed on 15 July after a train hit a microbus at an unmanned level crossing in Sirajganj.

Nurul Islam Sujan said the ministry will serve notices to the authorities concerned who constructed roads without authorisation on the rail tracks.