Railway Authority Issues Clarification on Bengaluru Bus Incident
In a direct response to a recent media report, the South Western Railway (SWR) has provided a detailed clarification regarding a safety incident involving a BMTC bus in Bengaluru. The railway authority has firmly stated that the bus did not encounter a failure at a level crossing gate but instead trespassed onto railway property at a location not authorized for crossing.
Refuting Claims of Safety Deficiencies
The clarification comes after a report titled 'Reality check: Several railway crossings in the city lack basic safety measures' was published on February 8, 2026. The SWR addressed this report by explaining that the incident in question occurred when the BMTC bus intruded into railway territory at a spot that is not designated as a level crossing. This assertion challenges the narrative that safety lapses at formal crossings were to blame.
The railway emphasized that the bus driver's action constituted trespassing, which is a violation of railway regulations. By entering the tracks at an unauthorized point, the bus bypassed the safety mechanisms typically in place at official level crossings, such as gates and warning signals.
Details of the Incident and Railway's Stance
According to the SWR, the location where the bus hit the rail track was not a recognized crossing, meaning it lacked the infrastructure and safety measures found at designated points. This distinction is crucial in understanding the railway's position that the incident was not due to a failure in gate operations or other safety protocols at level crossings.
The authority highlighted that trespassing on railway property poses significant risks, including potential collisions with trains and damage to infrastructure. They reiterated that designated crossings are equipped with necessary safety features to prevent such occurrences, and incidents at non-designated areas fall outside the scope of those measures.
Broader Implications for Public Safety
This clarification sheds light on the ongoing challenges of ensuring safety along railway lines in urban areas like Bengaluru. While the SWR maintains that their designated crossings are secure, the incident underscores the need for public awareness and adherence to regulations to prevent unauthorized access to tracks.
The railway's response aims to correct misconceptions and reinforce the importance of using only authorized crossings for vehicular and pedestrian movement. As investigations continue, this case serves as a reminder of the critical role that both infrastructure and public compliance play in maintaining railway safety.
