The Amritsar train tragedy was waiting to happen

The State, Railways and the organisers paid little heed to the safety issue

Last Friday, a train tore through a Dussehra celebration, which was in progress next to a rail track, in Amritsar, killing at least 61 people. Several arms of the state are responsible for this disaster. First, the Indian Railways. The tracks are its property. As an official told the Mint daily, if anyone steps on to the tracks, it amounts to trespassing. “It’s on humanitarian grounds that Indian Railways don’t penalise them [those who come on tracks]”, the officer said. By not penalising them, as the Amritsar accident showed, the Railways has not been doing anyone any favour. Second, the local police. Why did they give permission to hold a function so close to the tracks when they don’t have enough manpower to ensure people don’t get in the way of moving trains? Third, the local administration. If the event has been taking place at the same venue, then the authorities must be aware about it. Why were safety measures not in place? Many of those killed were poor, migrant workers. It is shocking how cheap lives in India can be.

There are several learnings from this tragedy. Organisers of such events must seek permission. Events should only be held in grounds that are safe for attendees. The police must ensure proper crowd management at large events. In a country where safety protocols are not in place and arrangements are never made on time, it is important that one uses his/her better judgment to stay safe. This lack of sense of personal safety does not, however, absolve the State of its responsibility of ensuring the safety of all citizens.