Railway Line Turns Death Trap: Chitagaon Basti Villagers of Tripura Urge Authorities for Overbridge
The residents of Chitagaon Basti and the neighboring Chakma Basti in Kumarghat under the Unakoti District of Tripura are growing increasingly frustrated as their repeated pleas for an overbridge over the railway line go unanswered. The absence of a safe passage has not only disrupted their daily lives but has also led to tragic accidents, claiming both human and animal lives, villagers alleged.
A railway line that became a lifeline barrier
Chitagaon Basti, Chakma Basti and other hamlets, located a short distance from Kumarghat subdivision town in Tripura, were once closely connected, facilitating easy movement for villagers engaged in agriculture and trade. However, after a railway line was set up to improve connectivity up to Agartala, it inadvertently severed this natural link, turning what was once a minor inconvenience into a persistent hazard.
Initially, the railway line posed no major problems, but over time, as train traffic increased, it has become a significant threat. Villagers who must cross the tracks daily for their livelihood now find themselves risking their lives due to the absence of a safe crossing.
Tragic losses and escalating Concerns
Local resident Rupan Dey highlighted the dire situation, saying that over a thousand people use the railway crossing daily as their primary route. “This is the only reliable path for us,” he said. “But it has already claimed the lives of two villagers and several domestic animals. Constructing an overbridge is the only solution to prevent such tragedies.”
Anju Dey, another local resident, further underscored the urgency of the situation. Most villagers rely on betel leaf cultivation, which is not feasible on the hilly terrain surrounding Chitagaon Basti. As a result, they must cross the railway tracks to access farmland for cultivating betel leaves, rice, and other crops in other villages crossing the railine. “The railway line has turned into a death trap,” she lamented. “With electric trains set to run on this route soon, the risk of fatal accidents will only increase.”
Gobinda Dey, another villager, shared a personal account of how the railway line has upended lives. “Ever since the tracks were laid, accidents have been happening frequently. My grandfather lost his life while crossing the tracks, and many of our cattle have also perished in similar incidents. We desperately need an overbridge to prevent further loss of life.”
Authorities’ silence amidst mounting losses
Despite the gravity of the situation, villagers allege that their repeated appeals to the authorities have been met with indifference. Their frustration reached a tipping point when five cows were killed in a single train mishap, causing significant financial distress to the owner.
“The authorities remain silent despite one accident after another,” said a resident, echoing the collective frustration of the community. “Enough is enough. We don’t want any more deaths - we want an overbridge.”
A call for immediate action
As the residents of Chitagaon Basti continue to wait for a response from officials, their demand for an overbridge grows louder. With their patience wearing thin, the villagers are determined to intensify their protests until their plea is heard. For them, a bridge is not just a demand - it is a necessity that could mean the difference between life and death.
Will the authorities heed their call before another tragedy strikes? Only time will tell.
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