A young man’s reckless stunt on a moving train has gone viral, sparking outrage and concern among social media users. The video, which shows the man dragging his foot along the platform while the train speeds by, highlights a growing trend of dangerous acts performed for online attention. This incident, along with other recent reckless stunts, has raised questions about the lengths people will go to for social media fame and the potential consequences of their actions.
Network Rail Scotland is embarking on a seven-month vegetation clearance project along the Borders Railway, aimed at ensuring the safety and reliability of train services. The project, spanning 30 miles between Newcraighall and Tweedbank, will involve managing overgrown trees, clearing woody material, and treating invasive weeds. Network Rail emphasizes its commitment to balancing safety with environmental stewardship, ensuring minimal disruption to local communities and wildlife.
The Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), California Operation Lifesaver (CAOL), Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR), Amtrak, and other rail partners joined forces to launch September as Rail Safety Month with a special safety train event in Oakland. The event aimed to raise awareness and promote safety around railroad tracks and crossings.
India’s Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced a significant expansion of the country’s rail network, including the production of 2,500 new passenger train coaches and approval for an additional 10,000. This announcement comes alongside ongoing efforts to enhance service quality, safety, and cleanliness across railway operations. The minister also highlighted the production of 50 new Amrit Bharat trains, following the successful launch of two such trains by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year.
The Indian Railways is considering reducing the speed of premium trains like Vande Bharat and Gatiman Express on certain routes from 160 kmph to 130 kmph to enhance safety. This decision comes after multiple train accidents in recent years, raising concerns about train operations. The North Central Railway has formally requested the Railway Board to implement this speed reduction, citing concerns about the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS). The proposal is likely to be approved, resulting in longer travel times for affected trains.
Indian Railways is poised to issue a massive 5,000 crore tender to expedite the implementation of Kavach, an automatic train protection (ATP) system, across 10,000 km of its network. This move aims to bolster safety and prevent accidents like the one in Balasore last year. The tender, which will be split into two parts, is expected to be released in the coming months, marking a substantial expansion from the first Kavach tender in 2021. The system, which prevents accidents caused by human error, has been approved for use by additional vendors, including Japanese firm Kyosan. This initiative will accelerate the rollout of Kavach, with plans to equip the entire 70,000 km railway network within a decade.
A seasoned train conductor has extended his sympathies to the family of a 17-year-old student who tragically lost their life after being struck by a train in northwest Calgary. The incident, which occurred near a bridge in the Bowness community, has served as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with venturing onto railway tracks. The former conductor, Lou Schillaci, emphasized that trains require a substantial distance to stop, highlighting the importance of staying away from these areas. While safety measures such as fences and warning signs have been implemented, Schillaci stressed that personal responsibility is crucial in preventing similar tragedies.
