Expressing grief over the Bihar tragedy where at least 30 pilgrims were run over by a train as they were crossing the track, the All India Loco Running Staff Association (AILRSA) condemned the manhandling of loco pilot by an irate mob following the accident.

In a statement, AILRSA divisional secretary V. Balachandran pointed out that during run over incidents, loco pilots too were psychological victims and struggled to cope with the tragedy.
The AILRSA urged the public to realise that even if a loco pilot wished to, it was impossible to immediately stop a speeding train which usually requires at least 840 metres to come to a stop once brakes are applied.
The association wanted railways to set up more passenger-friendly facilities such as foot overbridges and escalators and also strictly enforce the Railway Act to deter trespass on the tracks. – Special Correspondent