| Run-over victim’s body brings Bangalore trains to a halt by messanger on 06 January, 2013 - 03:00 AM | ||
|---|---|---|
 messanger | Run-over victim’s body brings Bangalore trains to a halt on 06 January, 2013 - 03:00 AM | |
Two deaths in 12 hours of persons crossing the rail tracks near Whitefield railway station sparked off a flash protest by local residents on Wednesday, against what they saw as the callousness of railways in not constructing a foot overbridge for pedestrians.Sunitha, 20, an MBBS student was killed by a speeding train at 8 pm on Tuesday night, and less than 12 hours later it was the turn of Bipin Kumar of Delhi, an IT professional in Bangalore, to be mowed by the Lalbagh Express as he tried to get over to the other side. At least 400 protesters, including residents, railway passengers and members of various associations, gathered at the spot Bipin Kumar was run over, about 40 metres away from Whitefield station.Placing the victim's body on the tracks, they blocked trains for hours until South Western Railway officials promised to build an overhead footbridge connecting the station to the bus stop on the other side.The effects of the protest were felt at KR Puram Railway station where passengers had a harrowing time as their trains were stuck for hours. The Lalbagh Express from Bangalore to Chennai was delayed by more than 5 hours because of the protests.Residents living in Kadugodi, Whitefield and nearby areas put the number of deaths on the railway track at 700 in the past two years. Kadugodi police said every month 15-20 persons were mowed down by train while crossing the tracks. | ||