The government has announced plans to modernise the country’s old railway crossings with automatic signaling systems, overpasses, and underpasses following a fatal collision in Cumilla that killed 12 people.
State Minister for Railway Habibur Rashid Habib, along with Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Mohammad Aminur Rashid, visited the site of the accident at the Padua Bazar railway crossing under the flyover on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters, Habib said the government is taking immediate measures to prevent future accidents. “The prime minister is closely monitoring the situation. Those who need medical treatment and transfer to Dhaka will receive full support as instructed to the health ministry,” he said.
The tragic collision occurred early Sunday morning when a passenger bus was struck by a train at the Padua Bazar crossing, killing 12 passengers -seven men, two women, and three children.
Highlighting the risks of outdated railway crossings, Habib said many lack gatekeepers and proper monitoring, making accidents frequent. “The prime minister has instructed an assessment to determine where overpasses or underpasses can be constructed. Another plan under discussion is to introduce automatic barriers at crossings,” he said.
The proposed automatic system would lower barriers as trains enter a defined zone, reducing reliance on human oversight.
Addressing accountability, Habib confirmed that two gatekeepers had been dismissed following preliminary investigations. A divisional and a zonal committee have been formed to investigate whether negligence by the station master or others contributed to the accident.
“The government is accountable to the public. The investigation report will be made public, and those responsible will face strict action,” he said.
The Rail Ministry will provide Tk100,000 in compensation to the families of each deceased passenger. Local authorities have already announced Tk25,000 for families of the dead and Tk15,000 for injured passengers.
Habib emphasised that no compensation can fully replace human life.
“That is why modernization of crossings and enforcement of safety measures are essential,” he said.
To improve emergency response, the government plans to acquire four additional relief trains to ensure rapid rescue operations after accidents.
The Cumilla section of Bangladesh Railway has more than 50 crossings. While previous governments have made similar promises, fatalities have continued.
State Minister Habib said the current administration is prioritising crossing modernisation and overpass construction as part of a broader plan to reduce traffic congestion and improve railway safety nationwide.
