Tamil Nadu Express Fire Accident Tragedy

The day started with a sorrow news about the Tamil Nadu express fire accident. This is not the first rail accident happening, also this is not going to be the last accident. The response from our Railways and government is a stereotype answer saying that "compensation will be paid", "Enquiry has been commenced". It is really disheartening to see such accidents in a world's largest network our Indian Railways.

Hardly in a matter of 3 hours the Tamil Nadu express would have reached safely the Chennai central. Many were sleeping during the accident, none would have even had a wild dream that it is their last sleep. As per the initial information it says the fire started near the toilet and worst part of it was the doors of the compartment were jammed and was not able to open to rescue out. This is the condition of our railways.

Being such a revenue making organisation, our Indian Railways can perform much better than their present level. What is not available in our country India. We are abundant of Innovation, Technology, creativity, labour force, Raw materials and what not. But then what stops Railways in providing a much much better service to the common public.

Following are some of the ideas arising even for a lay man to avoid such happening of fire accidents in future.

• Why can't Fire proof coaches be manufactured?
• Why not thinking of placing Fire Alarm in all the coaches, on any emergency arising out of fire a digital display of coach number and alarm could be raised in Engine Driver room and as well in the guard room.
• Why not thinking of implementing automated Fire extinguishers in each compartments? If any fire arises in any of the compartments, these extinguishers should be activated and to put off the fire immediately.
• Why not thinking of implementing GPS on the trains. This will be very useful in many ways.

I am not able to see now the exact practical difficulties or hindrances in implementing the above said points. But I am sure our Indian Railways are capable enough to stop / prevent such Fire accidents in any trains in future.

Though there are many other issues to point out about our Railways, but this is not the right time to express as all our hearts are filled with so much sorrow of today's fire accident.

Hoping for the best. Wishes & Prayers to our Indian Railways.

Jai Hind.