A routine morning walk ended in a devastating accident in Assam when three women lost their lives after being hit by a speeding train while crossing railway tracks. The tragic incident, which took place on Sunday morning, has once again raised questions about pedestrian safety near railway lines and the growing number of accidents linked to track-crossing.
The Incident
According to local police reports, the three women, residents of a nearby village, were out for their daily morning walk. Instead of taking the longer road route, they reportedly chose to cross the railway tracks to save time. As they were midway, a passenger train approached at high speed, giving them little time to react.
Witnesses said the train driver blew the horn repeatedly, but the women were unable to move away in time. All three were hit instantly and died on the spot. Railway officials later confirmed that the accident took place near a stretch of tracks commonly used by villagers as a shortcut.
Shock In The Community
The news of the accident spread quickly in the area, leaving the community in shock. Locals gathered near the accident site, mourning the loss of three women who were well known in the neighborhood. For many villagers, the railway tracks are a regular part of their daily commute, making the tragedy a chilling reminder of the risks involved.
A local resident said, “We often cross the tracks because it’s the shortest path to the main road. But today’s incident shows how dangerous it can be. The government must take steps to prevent such tragedies.”
Authorities Respond
Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) reached the site soon after the incident to clear the tracks and conduct preliminary investigations. Officials reiterated warnings against crossing railway lines, emphasizing that such shortcuts often prove fatal.
An RPF official noted, “Despite repeated awareness drives, people continue to risk their lives by walking on or near tracks. Railways are not meant for pedestrians. We urge citizens to use overbridges and underpasses for their own safety.”
A Recurring Problem
This is not the first time Assam has witnessed such accidents. In fact, across India, thousands of people die each year while crossing or walking along railway tracks. The issue is particularly concerning in rural and semi-urban regions where railway lines often cut through villages, and proper pedestrian infrastructure is lacking.
Experts argue that while public awareness is crucial, infrastructural changes are equally important. Many villagers rely on tracks as shortcuts because foot overbridges or safe crossings are either far away or poorly maintained. Without viable alternatives, people continue to risk their lives daily.
Call For Better Safety Measures
Following the accident, several locals have urged the authorities to install warning systems, fences, and additional pedestrian bridges near densely populated areas. Safety advocates suggest that schools, community groups, and local governments must collaborate to spread awareness about the dangers of track-crossing.
One activist said, “We cannot simply blame the victims. People take risks because they feel they have no choice. Authorities need to make safer options easily accessible.”
A Stark Reminder
The deaths of the three women in Assam serve as a painful reminder of the everyday dangers that exist around railway tracks. While the tragedy has left their families and community shattered, it has also reignited conversations around safety, infrastructure, and awareness.
As the railway network continues to expand and trains move faster, preventing such accidents will require more than warnings—it will demand a coordinated effort to balance convenience with safety.
