Changing track

There are two takeaways from the article, “Where the law needs to change track” (Editorial page, May 8). One is about compensating victims on a proactive basis and the other about amendments to the Railways Act which imply that the Indian Railways have a duty to protect the lives of users of vehicles on roads that intersect tracks. A welfare state cannot shirk its responsibility by transferring the onus on unsuspecting victims. It is more so as over 40% of accidents happen at unmanned crossing spots. There were reports that the Railways was to adopt technology developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation, which would alert users at unmanned crossings. One wonders about its fate. Instead of looking at wi-fi connections and bullet trains, the Railways needs to concentrate on human safety.

V. Subramanian,

Chennai