Fatal Collision at Illegal Rail Crossing Spurs Thailand’s State Railway to Bolster Safety Measures
In response to a tragic collision between a freight train and a pickup truck that resulted in eight fatalities and three injuries, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is taking immediate action to enhance safety measures against illegal railway crossings. The accident took place at an unauthorized crossing in Chachoengsao province, which was devoid of proper signaling mechanisms. Shockingly, SRT data reveals that approximately 44% of the 437 train-related incidents recorded between 2005 and 2021 occurred at such informal crossings.
Tayakorn Chandrangsu, the SRT Director of Safety and Maintenance, disclosed that Thailand’s expansive 4,000-kilometer rail network harbors a total of 2,697 level crossings. Out of these, 2,004 are officially designated crossings while 693 remain unauthorized. Alarmed by the statistics, the SRT is now considering the closure of 52 crossings in the North, 54 in the Northeast, 68 in the East, and a significant 519 locations in the South.
Despite the associated risks, these illegal crossings continue to be favored by locals due to their convenience and direct access to desired destinations. However, previous attempts made by the SRT to address level-crossing accidents or to permanently close some crossings faced strong opposition from local residents, yielding limited results.
The SRT has devised a comprehensive plan to bolster safety measures and minimize the occurrence of such unfortunate incidents. One of the key steps involves the construction of additional walkways around the rail network, particularly in communities that are bisected by tracks. These walkways will provide safe passage for pedestrians and help prevent any accidents that may arise from unauthorized crossings.
Furthermore, the SRT is actively encouraging the use of an application called DRT Crossing, which serves as a platform for individuals to report issues related to railway crossings. This app is expected to play a vital role in raising awareness, improving communication channels, and allowing the necessary authorities to address safety concerns promptly.
The SRT’s dedication to enhancing safety measures is commendable, especially considering the alarming number of accidents that have occurred at unauthorized crossings. By prioritizing the closure of risky illegal crossings, constructing additional walkways, and leveraging technology to increase reporting and responsiveness, the SRT is taking proactive steps to safeguard lives and minimize the occurrence of fatal collisions.
It is crucial for both the SRT and local communities to work hand in hand to address this pressing issue. While convenience must be acknowledged, safety should always be the top priority. Through open dialogue, public awareness campaigns, and community involvement, it is possible to find viable solutions that strike a balance between accessibility and security.
The recent tragic collision serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unauthorized railway crossings. As the SRT takes firm action to bolster safety measures, it is our collective responsibility to heed the warning and ensure that we prioritize the safety of both passengers and pedestrians. With a concerted effort from all stakeholders, we can prevent similar tragedies and make Thailand’s railway network a safer mode of transportation for all.
