Tangail, July 22 (V7N) — Residents of Tenguria Para in Basail Upazila, Tangail district, are expressing growing fear and concern due to the presence of several unmanned railway crossings along the Delduar-Basail road. The absence of gatekeepers at these crossings has heightened the risk of accidents for pedestrians, students, and vehicles passing through the area.
 
An on-site inspection revealed that two large and thick gates are situated at the unmanned railway crossings in Tenguria Para. These gates suddenly halt the flow of traffic, creating confusion and delays. Dense foliage and tree branches have nearly covered the road at both ends of the crossing, severely obstructing the visibility of approaching trains. This lack of visibility makes it almost impossible for travelers to detect an oncoming train from either side. A small shop is also located adjacent to the railway line near the crossings.
 
Abdul Waresh Mia, a local shopkeeper who has been running his business near the railway crossing for about five years, explained that approximately two thousand vehicles use this road daily. Additionally, students from seven nearby educational institutions, as well as local residents, frequently cross the tracks. Waresh Mia has often stepped in as a gatekeeper when no official personnel were available. He noted that the sound of an approaching train is frequently drowned out by vehicle noise, making it difficult for travelers to hear warnings. On such occasions, he runs to stop traffic, helping to prevent accidents. However, due to his advancing age, he is no longer able to perform this task regularly. He urged the government to appoint a dedicated gatekeeper at the unmanned railway crossing promptly.
 
Mehedi Hasan, assistant teacher at Tenguria Para Dakhil Madrasa, emphasized the high volume of students and parents who use this route daily. He listed several nearby educational institutions, including Habla Tenguria Para Fazil Madrasa, Tenguria Para Government Primary School, Abdullah Al Kafi Al Qurayshi Darun Hadith Academy, Abdul Hai Hafizia Madrasa, Abdul Rahil Baki High School, and Habla Salafia Girls’ Dakhil Madrasa. The teacher expressed serious concerns about the safety of students and their guardians and appealed to the government to urgently assign a gatekeeper for this hazardous crossing.
 
Local resident Menhaz Uddin mentioned that the two large gates at either end of the railway crossing somewhat help control the speed of vehicles, which provides a limited sense of security for the community.
 
Railway employee Rubel Mia, responsible for inspecting approximately six kilometers of railway lines in Habla Union, including Tenguria Para, said there are three critical unmanned railway crossings in the area—at Tenguria Para, Patkhakuri, and Sonalia. He stressed the urgent need for appointing gatekeepers at these crossings to prevent accidents.
 
Locals highlighted the significance of the Delduar-Basail road, which serves as a vital thoroughfare connecting the Basail, Sakhipur, Tangail Sadar, Delduar, and Mirzapur Upazilas. Millions of people use this route daily, increasing the potential for serious accidents due to the unprotected railway crossings.
 
The residents’ repeated appeals underscore the urgent need for authorities to ensure safety measures, including the immediate deployment of gatekeepers, to safeguard lives and property along this busy transportation corridor.
 
END/BKC/SMA/