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Faulty signals continue to derail commuter safety as trains ‘go slow’
View(s):More incidents involving faulty signals on main railway lines have been reported this week, causing concern among engine drivers, a trade unionist claimed.
The latest incident took place on Monday, close to Ambanpola, on the northern railway line, when the signals indicated that a train was due on the same line on which a train was due to turn. However, there was no oncoming train.
The railway track system and signal system was introduced in 1865
Locomotive Operating Engineers Union (LOEU) General Secretary, K.A.U. Konthasingha claimed that the engine driver had received a wrong signal from the signal post. Mr Konthasingha also said, “the signal post that gave wrong signals in the Pothuhera incident, is still giving wrong signals. Similar signals were given in Gampaha and Kurunegala.”
He said signal cabins have errors and condition of signals and tracks are poor because they are old.All Ceylon Railway Employees’ General Union President, S.P. Vithanage said “the railway track system and signal system was introduced in 1865, it is now outdated and obsolete and a new system is needed.”
He said that because of this outdated system, the safety of commuters had been compromised. He said Colombo and its suburbs have colored signaling, but it also has its shortcomings, while outstation signals still operate by the tablet. “Previous governments and the present one repaired platforms and renovated the outer structures, but not the signal system,’’ he said.He said the Government had spent up to Rs 100 million to tile the floor and improve the height of three platforms in Colombo Fort, while repairs to Gampaha station cost Rs. 180 million.
He said that, while renovations are necessary, priority must be given to the tracks and signals, because those are the things that contribute to safety.
Mr Vithanage said the tracks also need to be changed, as it is the other reason for delays. In certain areas, speed limits are set for drivers as a precaution against accidents, which result in delays.
The LOEU said the meeting held with Transport Minister Kumara Welgama was a success, where both authorities and drivers agreed to the temporary suspension of the 10 kmph to 20 kmph speed limits. In the short term, authorities agreed to immediately attend to signal faults identified as urgent.