Railway crossbars pose threat to passers-by

KOCHI: The Pachalam residents fear that the damaged crossbars at the Lourdes Hospital road will soon turn into a death trap, if the railway authorities do not take necessary steps to fix them.For some years now, the crossbars at the Pachalam junction have been lying useless. They became dangerous for the public when, last week, a private bus hit them and left them tilted.Kerala bhurahita bhavan rahita samrakhsana samithi  general secretary Antony Puthoor said, “The crossbar was already tilted. This accident has only worsened the issue. It is only matter of days that the crossbar will become a virtual death trap to some vehicle and the passengers in it.”According to witnesses, the bus had hit the crossbar when it entered the Chakhiyath road through another route. Also, the bus suffered minor damages.The four crossbars, which were once a part of the Palakkad-ERG railway route, are at present lying dismantled. Bank officials and bus ambulance drivers fear the most as they usually take that route. Earlier, the corporation and railway authorities were notified but no action was taken by either of them.Antony said, “The corporation is washing their hands of the case saying that it is the responsibility of the railways. However, the railways claim that they cannot bring down any of their objects without an approval from the higher authorities.”Also, the public was asked to bring down the crossbars by themselves if they felt it to be a threat.Councillor of Thattozham P S Manikandarajan said, “After yesterday’s incident, we are thinking of forming an action council to bring up this issue strongly.” Also, the railway authorities have stated that they will consider bringing down the crossbars.