No footboard riding allowed, no liability for accidents: Railways Department

25 April 2024 01:26 am - 20 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, April 25 (Daily Mirror) - In light of the numerous complaints received, the Railways department has stated that riding on the footboards of express trains is strictly prohibited. They have made it clear that they will not assume responsibility for any accidents involving both locals and foreign tourists.

A senior official from the department noted that several incidents have been reported where both locals and foreign tourists were observed riding on footboards, particularly on upcountry trains.

To address this issue, railway guards and other officials onboard trains have been instructed to take measures to prevent individuals from riding on footboards.

Despite these efforts, commuters traveling on the upcountry mainline have voiced their concerns regarding accidents involving foreign tourists riding on footboards of express trains.

"Even thought the railway officials informed the matter, it is very hard to convince tourists to refrain from travelling on footboards. Most of them used to complain back to the railways department that they had been harassed by the officers and they used to publish bad comments on social media about the services provided by the railways department," the official said.

It's worth noting that there are currently no rules or conditions in place regarding traveling on footboards. However, the department has made it clear that they will not accept responsibility in the event of accidents.

In the most recent incident, a foreign woman fell from the Podi Menike Express on Sunday (21) near the Ohiya railway station. Similarly, about a month ago, an Iranian tourist sustained serious injuries in a similar incident.

Passengers have highlighted the importance of railway guards and security officials taking proactive measures to prevent tourists from undertaking such risky journeys.

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Comments - 20

Amaran Thursday, 25 April 2024 01:48 AM

Please put a NOTICE BOARD inside the train as well as at all stations. Otherwise how could passengers know about this.

Hemantha J Friday, 26 April 2024 05:57 AM

Solution is simple - have doors that lock when the train pulls out of a station.

Too much Fresh Air Thursday, 25 April 2024 03:07 AM

If they can’t use common sense and feel safety is not paramount, good luck to these idiots. Charge them for any delays or cleaning up their injuries. In the event they can’t pay, make them do community cleaning for a minimum of 1 month after they recover. Place warning signs prominently especially at the footboard areas with pictures and words. So can’t blame for not warning these passengers not to act like idiots. Maybe, when too much fresh air gets to their brains, might trigger off idiocy!

Shera Thursday, 25 April 2024 05:33 AM

Excellent policy. It is time to fix the young generation's entitlement and tendency to blame others for their foolish decision.

Ram Thursday, 25 April 2024 06:27 AM

Railway is only on Express trains. What about the slow trains carrying office workers. They are the trains that have many foot board travellers. When I purchase a ticket I must be assured at least a standing position in the train. Provide sufficient trains for the office workers and prevent foot board travel. Express trains they get to the foot board to get photos and that is at their own risk

Spartacus Thursday, 25 April 2024 06:58 AM

Place a board at all the exits of the train and mention the fine Rs. 3,000 for travelling on footboard. Then catch the miscreants whether local or foreign. Yes, let them post that on social media because the message will be delivered about the law. One cannot shirk responsibility for being incompetent towards handling the situation.

Mahila Friday, 26 April 2024 04:22 AM

What will Rs 3000 fine do???? PUNY little amount USD 10!!?? That won't even BUY MACCA"S Burger Meal!!!??? NO FUSS!!?? Nothing will change, as far as FOOT-BOARD travel!!!???

Jude Thursday, 25 April 2024 07:11 AM

If you don't Go on footboard then you have to wait for the next train probably next day!!!

Jude Thursday, 25 April 2024 07:22 AM

SL railway should use compartments that should have doors, yeah Why these trains without doors!??? Must have doors that can close!! That's important safety issue!! Just prohibiting footboard travelling not gonna work!! Build or import train compartments with doors.

Dee Thursday, 25 April 2024 07:57 AM

Not only tourists, even locals. Only when they fall and die, people ‘demand’ compensation! Then the authorities are ‘responsible’ , when the authorities try to stop traveling on footboard- they are ‘rude’ !

Raven Thursday, 25 April 2024 08:56 AM

Symptoms of overtourism gradually setting foot in Sri Lanka .

Sokrates Thursday, 25 April 2024 09:25 AM

In railway trains in developed countries, the doors can only be opened when the train stops at a station.

Jeevester Thursday, 25 April 2024 09:30 AM

Anyway there's no accountability or responsibility at SLR for any matter. But only their pay packet !!

indika samptah kumara Thursday, 25 April 2024 10:02 AM

keep all the doors close until the train reach to the next station .its more safe .

Ros rignal Thursday, 25 April 2024 10:30 AM

Modify the express trains with proper doors some of this trains even don't have doors that can be closed precaution is better than cure little substance will go long way its no use saying dont travel in footboad get electrinic doors fixed that can prevent even deaths

Mark Anandappa Thursday, 25 April 2024 11:11 AM

Upgrading the railway compartments with automatic doors would solve the issue. But this is Srilanka - Change would be a challenge.

Human Being Thursday, 25 April 2024 11:36 AM

display this message as a precaution in the train compartments and fine them with a penalty if anyone get caught doing stunts in the footboard.

BEGGARS BELIEF PASSING THE BUCK ON TO TOURISTS WHO HAVE SEEN AND LEARNT THROUGH THE YEARS HOW OUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES ARE RUN!! Thursday, 25 April 2024 12:47 PM

SAD TO SAID TRAVELLING ON THE FOOT BOARDS OF TRAINS AND BUSES HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER 65 DECADES, AS I RECALL DURING MY VERY YOUNG SCHOOL DAYS. WHY WAS THIS NOT ADDRESSED DECADES AGO, INSTEAD OF NOW TRYING TO USE TOURISTS AS AN EXCUSE TO BRING THIS ISSUE TO LIGHT.

S.P. Ramkumar Thursday, 25 April 2024 01:56 PM

Very foolish department message, they are selling huge tickets to commuters, and not cleaning train seats, staffs removed all fans from compartments. That never takes any responsibilities when commuters were killed. One of dirtiest department in this country. Only selling tickets more than seating facility. Railway labours are with bare foot .

thrill seekers Thursday, 25 April 2024 06:06 PM

Some of these tourists are high on drugs and don't realize what they are doing. Once they purchase a train ticket and get into the train it is the responsibility of the railway authorities to make sure they reach their destination safely.

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No footboard riding allowed, no liability for accidents: Railways Department

Comments - 20

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