Sep 26, 2011
Pics by Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network

For ages, the train has been the lifeline of generations of students from the border regions of north Kerala seeking education in Mangalore. It may be their most preferred mode of conveyance, but, as we found out, also the most dangerous.

Mangalore being the hub of education has a large number of students especially from Kerala travelling a considerable distance every day. A majority of them choose to travel by train, as it is not only cheaper but faster too. Over the years, with advancement in education and the increase in the number of colleges in the city, not to mention employment opportunities, there has been a corresponding increase in the number of passengers in these trains too. However, the number of trains being limited, they are forced to vie for seats or simply 'hang out' precariously, courting danger every day of their lives.

The Chervattoor-Mangalore passenger train, for instance, has 11 compartments, and when it reaches Uppala, around 500 passengers board the train. Another 700 get in at Manjeshwar. With this kind of crowd, it is no wonder that many of them are left hanging on to dear life with just a foot on the doorstep. A slight jerk or a push can prove fatal, but there doesn't seem to be any other option for the hapless students either as they are entirely dependent on the train to ferry them. Another frightening fact is that many a time through the journey, prickly bushes strewn on the side of the railway track brush past the passengers, potentially hurting them.

Most of the students hailing from regions like Hosadurga, Kasargod, Kumble, Uppala, Manjeshwar study in Mangalore and travel by this train putting their lives at risk. Many incidents of falling off the train have also been reported.

Girl students prefer journeying by this train as it is free for them with a monthly pass of just Rs 5. Apart from students, those working in the city also travel by this train.

The situation was not this bad earlier, when the private bus service between Kasargod and Mangalore was in operationin full fledge before a lid was put on it over the issue of permits after a Supreme Court order following nationalisation of roads. A 100 private buses services were stopped, and now only 15 to 20 that managed to renew their permits ply on this route. Moreover, as no pass facility is given to students by KSRTC, students prefer to travel by this jam-packed train.

When the train reach Uppala, it is overcrowded, and after reaching Manjeshwar railway station the situation gets worse. Though there are two ladies'compartments, railway personnel and Railway Mail Service occupy majority of the space in them, it is alleged. Thus girl students are also forced to travel in general compartments wherein incidents of ragging and sexual harassment are reported by victims time and again. A teacher says she once noticed boys misbehaving with girls in the train, but in the absence of security, was helpless. Cases have been registered in Kumble police station, and as a measure to curb this menace, a police personnel was stationed in each of the compartments. But the measure was shortlived, as very soon, the policemen simply stopped boarding the train.

The trend has made parents fear for their children's safety. One parent, whose son studies in a medical college in the city and who travels everyday by this train, says that it is worrying to see his son and scores like him risking their lives. Getting accomadation in the city, where PGs and hostels are already brimming, is not an easy task, he adds.

Despite all the risks and fears, no action seems to be taken by the railway authority to fix the problem, even after an appeal was made to the Phalghat division.

As per one estimate, at least four more compartments in the Chervattoor-Mangalore train is the need of the hour. Also, Maveli train from Thiruvananthapuram could halt at Uppala, Manjeshwar and Kumble stations to lessen the burden and make the journey comfortable and safe for all.

For how long will innocent lives be at risk while authorities turn the other way?

Watch Video

Comment on this article

haris, uppala miyapadauv/dubai
Wed, Nov 16 2011
it's very danjerous trvel,please take action immidiatly sir.our childrens are travelling this train.road is not good
Tony, Mangalore/Sydney
Wed, Sep 28 2011
Saw the video for the first time - which is quite shocking, and in fact I am speechless - I just could not bear to see the inconvenience, hardship and the dangers that these young students are being put through! - the young men and women, with heavy bags on their backs, quite a few of them on their empty stomachs as well, (for I know for sure it is not easy always to have a breakfast and manage to catch a train or a bus in the morning hours), struggling to get into the train, with all anxiety and eagerness, and hardly any standing space once you are inside the compartment, (if you are lucky to get that far at all), forget about the sitting -all chaotic scenes, which are beyond anyone`s comprehension! Only the so called Almighty God must be safeguarding and taking care of these youths! Authorities, please wake up and do something straightaway to rectify the whole situation without waiting for any reports and/or enquiries. The evidence produced thus far is more than sufficient to cause grave concerns and raise alarm bells!
Ashwin, bejai/mangalore
Wed, Sep 28 2011
@Mr Jai Shetty .

Good for you sir .. Keep up the good work ..
Dave, Melbourne
Wed, Sep 28 2011
Why would the plight of the students ever bother the useless politicians. What else do they know other than looting peoples hard earned money. Do they know what's happening in their own constituency? It is very sad and disgusting to see students hanging by the train doors.I really doubt if these politicians/ railway authorities are going to take any action.

Jai Shetty, Manjeshwar/Tokyo,Japan
Tue, Sep 27 2011
Dear Mr.Ashwin, today mangalore is very famous because of northern keralities, so you please don't neglect students are coming from northern kerala. In northern Kerala 90% people are still speaking Tulu language.
Ashwin, bejai/mangalore
Tue, Sep 27 2011
why travel all the way to mangalore , with all this difficulty . Please approach kerala govt to intervene on this issue and open a few schools/colleges/hospitals there .. anyways mangalore is over crowded by these people
mohammed, mangalore/dubai
Tue, Sep 27 2011
yes the number of students traveling is high, but you need to look into the aspect that many a times these guys dont want to stand inside. i have traveled in this route, many student want to stand on the foot-board and they will never take a seat. railways should ensure that the doors are closed when the trains move and no one is allowed to stand in the foot board.
Prema Stephen, Bangalore
Tue, Sep 27 2011
Suresh Kamath, One of the most brilliant and constructive comments ever written on daiji comments-section.I hope someone takes the much wanted action before we see blood on the tracks..plz Indian railways, do something..Thanks also to team Daiji in bringing this daily dangerous trend to light.
Bulsam, Mangalore
Tue, Sep 27 2011
I feel Mr. Suresh A Kamath, Kanhangad/Muscat gave a right suggestion.
Suresh A Kamath, Kanhangad/Muscat
Tue, Sep 27 2011
It is sad to note that most people commenting are pointlessly complaining instead of contributing constructively. I have travelled by this train and this stretch often and hence would like to mention some valid points.

1. Instead of introducing new train, somehow the authorities have to arrange atleast 5-7 additional coaches for this stretch for this peakhour train.

2.In order to make the passenger more viable, maybe extend the starting point to payyanur/kannapuram

3. To ensure passenger safety ensure that no one travels on the footboards or too near the doors. Heavily punish those travelling like this. Take them to station master's room and fine them 500 INR atleast so that it becomes a lesson to others.

4. Ensure other modes of public travel are also available at reasonable rates especially for our future pillars(students)

5. Start an online petition(supported by an offline) so that people like us can contribute.

6.Create an impact cost-effectively & time-effectively. Even if people travelling in the train often, send a 1 rupee postcard to the divisional head of palghat railways it could possibly do the desired result.

7. There r other peakhour EXPRESS trains at the very same time, which do not stop at the stations like uppala,ullal,manjeshwar etc..Make atleast one of the trains stop at each of these stations and allow students to board the same without additional charges.

Hopefully authorities wakeup before gruesome gwalior-like incident happen.!! Jai Hind..
sudheesh, mangalore
Tue, Sep 27 2011
from 2000 to 2010 i was travalling by that train i know the difficulty but thing all the way ,we need extera compartment ,and check properly inside the compartment there is space ,two or three police for duty on this train all the student would be inside do that as temp.solution
RAMESH MANJESHWAR, MANGALORE/BAHRAIN
Tue, Sep 27 2011
HOW PATHETIC & BREATH TAKING SCENARIO.
ALL THIS BECAUSE OF SOUTHERN RAILWAY DIVISIONAL OFFICE ATTITUDE. THEY HAVE A CLEAR INSTRUCTION FOR NOT ADDING COMPARTMENTS. THEY DON'T WANT KASARAGOD DISTRICT STUDENTS TRAVELLING TO MANGALORE FOR THEIR STUDIES NOR BUSINESS.
THIS WILL SOLVE WHEN SO CALLED MANGALORE REGION OFFICES TAKE PLACE
Tony, Mangalore/Sydney
Mon, Sep 26 2011
I am shocked and speechless! This is sheer stupidity and madness! My only prayer is that please God protect these children/student travellers from danger and possible calamity! Railway authorities, please act fast to rectify the situation either by introducing another train during the peak hours or adding a few extra bogies! Thank you! Thanks Daijiworld as well for highlighting this important issue.
Valson Mendonsa, Mangalore/USA
Mon, Sep 26 2011
Too shoocking to see this kind of real scenes. Is this developing country? Is there any rule law to safe guard the precious human life?
Hanging scenes on the running train indicates that, people are worried about to live short rather than worry happily to live a long life.

arjun, India
Mon, Sep 26 2011
I have witnessed this and did not board the train, went to ticket counter for a refund..the guy at ticket counter told me you shoud push yourself and get in if you stand out you won't be able to board the train.. not sure why they can't add 10 more compartments. It's really sad..nobody cares for gadi nadu people who come to manglur for studies, medical treatments etc...it's our tulunadu belt we need to ensure we strive for better future together..
Joy, Mangalore/ New York
Mon, Sep 26 2011
Wonder if it is a problem adding 3-4 or more more coaches to the train (trains with 18 and 20 coaches are common, so why stay with 11 or 12?).
The students should petition the Rly authorities and the elected representatives.
Jai Shetty , Manjeshwar /Japan
Mon, Sep 26 2011
When I'm studying 15yr back,that time we are getting special discount in private express bus (uppala to mangalore). Now I'm requesting to Karnataka & Kerala Govt(KSRTC)top officers to take immediate action to provide special discounts for school/ college students those who are living in northern kerala(Kasaragod/Kumble/Uppala/Manj). We are paying so much tax to the govt for what?
SKM, Udupi
Mon, Sep 26 2011
When we are be going have good & safe transport facility where all can sit inside the buses & train and commute with closed door. If population is an issue , increase facility & increase tarrif ( Not only increasing tarrif). Am sure govt. not interested in anything .
Ronald D, Udupi
Mon, Sep 26 2011
Mr. Nagesh yellow glass Nagesh, your BJP is all over DK, Mangalore and Udupi for nearly two decades because it is Gods party to make money!! Why can not you stop such disasters!!?
RAM, DUBAI
Mon, Sep 26 2011
This shows the inefficency of railway authorities. Just praying to God to protect all passengers who commute on this train.Think railway will only wake up there is say that the pwd men will wake up only when he see that tap go dry at his own house.

Oh God. wake up
ashfak, mangalore/qatar
Mon, Sep 26 2011
you see the city bus coming from Kavoor to State Bank also filled by the travelers, specially the students. This is also danger.
A. S. Mathew, U.S.A.
Mon, Sep 26 2011
If my children were riding this
train every day, due to worry, I might have ended up in the mental hospital. This is too terrible to watch. Adding a few more compartments
to the train is not an Himalayan venture. This shows very clearly that the politicians are not the least concerned with the suffering
people, especially the young generation. Hundreds of young students are endangering their
precious lives through this dangerous circus of life every day.

DAIJIWORLD did a great job in exposing this dangerous secret.
Thanks to both PRAKASH SAMAGA and
DAYANAND KUKKAJE for your united
effort in exposing a time bomb.
austin, mangalore
Mon, Sep 26 2011
This is a very good example of government trying to impose its monopoly and at the sametime not meeting the requirements of the people. Railways are not capable of handling the people. Neither they are increasing trains/compartements to meet the peoples demand (which is is very easy and within their powers) nor allowing the private bus operators to ply the buses on the roads. The sole beneficiary of this trend the state buses and the railway which are both government owned while we the people suffer.
I. Husein, Mangalore
Mon, Sep 26 2011
Mr. Ganesh, your comment is so much disappointed, You have to understand one thing that no anyone wants to leave there home country to stay in abroad, may be few percentage of peoples would like stay in abroad. The maximum of peoples are going to abroad for manage their livelihood, and it’s because of their family conditions or any other reasons. But still he has rights to ask, comment or argue in any matter about his country.

KGShenoy, Mangalore/Dubai
Mon, Sep 26 2011
Dear Sri Ganesh Mangalore,
Your comments on this issue is very disappointing. First I would like to thank Daijiworld for publishing this eye opening article.
Ganesh, you must remember that public is not asking for 5 star facility. What we are concerned is about their safety while travelling to and fro from school/college.With your comments it is very clearthat either you are a railway officer in charge of safety or your children ( if you have )do not have to travel by this train.
We may write from any corner of the world because we care for our people as we also belong to Mangalore.
Aravind Prakash, Managalore/Dubai
Mon, Sep 26 2011
This article is timely & well written. It exposes the inefficient way our railways are run! Please take note that the Palghat Railaway Division of which Mangalore railway station (Unfortunately) is part off has always shown apathy toawrds the people from the disctricts of Kasargod and Dakshin Kannada. The number of trains at peak times between Cannanore and Managlore is grossly insufficient and there is a vast scope of improvement in the services. It would also help if the Railways introduce inetrcity trains like the Jan Shatabdi train between Mangalore and Calicut. Even though Mnagalore region contributes handsomely towards the revenues of the Palghat division, it gets shoddy treatment as far as the number of trains starting from Managlore, services in Managalore station, the bad state of Mnagalore Railway station etc.
Do we need to see the loss of lifes of our young brothers and sisters (Check out the newas from Rajastan where in 9 young people lost thier lifes while travelling on top of the Gwalior - Ajmer Express train) before the railway authorities wake up and take up the long outstanding demand of the commuters of this region to increase the number of bogies and to introduce additional services on this route.
Our politicians should unite in fighting for the introduction of more services on this route and improvement of Managlore railway station.
praveen,
Mon, Sep 26 2011
time to think of a mini metro or push pull train service from kannur to mangalore and kundapur to mangalore.
Asif, manglore
Mon, Sep 26 2011
Railway authorities look into this matter and increase tain serrvice from manglore to cannore , and should stop at all the stations
Shekar Moily Padebettu, Padebettu/Udipi
Mon, Sep 26 2011
Time and again wee have been commenting about city bus journey in Mangalore.Peak hour journey in City bus is really a nightmare and tug of war especially for students,office going people even for common commuters.It is like a war catching bus in the morning and evening hours.Without any other option passengers have to resort for affordable journey of this type. People including students are putting their lives in danger and at risk.See the pathetic scene of getting inside the bus in one side and other side rude attitude of conductors in peak hours, even by hapless women carrying baby in their arm.So sad and inhumane.Even after watching all these day to day dramas concerned departments,authorities still keeping quiet and closing their eyes without making any efforts for alternative arrangements.What a fun? So ridiculous.Poor passengers should feel the brunt of sufferings at the cost of so called elite leaders,politicians,bureaucrats,authorities.I request on behalf of poor commuters with concerned departments.authorities,ministries to look in to the matter on priority basis and do some alternative arrangements or introduce some extra buses or increase the frequency of the bus service at least during peak hours before it is too late.Don't allow people to suffer.Passengers are really bus owner's assets not liability.Try to fulfil the dream of cherishing hassle free bus journey.When this dream will become reality?.Keep your fingers crossed.
Ganesh, Mangalore
Mon, Sep 26 2011
Instead of thinking negative please mention some ideas, So that some one may implement in reality.
Vasant Raj, Udupi / Abudhabi.
Mon, Sep 26 2011
Mr. Ganesh, Mangalore - Daiji has given this platform for commenting our views, what you people are doing itting in Mangalore, by the way, Mr. Ganesh ?
Shekar Moily Padebettu, Padebettu/Udipi
Mon, Sep 26 2011
First of all I must thank Daiji for bringing this beautiful photos of highly dangerous way of journey by the students of border states.Without any other option students have to resort for affordable journey of this type. students are putting their lives in danger and at risk.See the scene of getting inside the train even by the girl students.So sad and inhumane.Even after watching all these day to day dramas concerned departments,authorities still keeping quiet and closing their eyes without making any efforts for alternative arrangements.What a fun? So ridiculous.Poor students feel the brunt of sufferings at the cost of so called elite leaders,politicians,bureaucrats,authorities.I request on behalf of poor students with concerned departments.authorities to look in to the matter on priority basis and do some alternative arrangements or introduce some extra trains or increase the frequency of the trains service at least during peak hours before it is too late.Don't allow students to suffer.
Ganesh, Mangalore
Mon, Sep 26 2011
Guys, Please stop commenting sitting in other country.
KGShenoy, Mangalore/Dubai
Mon, Sep 26 2011
It is unfortunate that even after 64 years of Independence,our various governments failed to provide a safe way for children to reach the school/colleges and return to their homes.Only grace of God protecting them.This is absolutely disgraceful & shame to our so called leaders.

jatin, mlore
Mon, Sep 26 2011
The private buses permits should be renewed, since its leading to lot of inconvinience to passengers especillay women and children. The private buses were stopped earlier by LDF to gain sympathy from kerala government transport unions since it Kerala was due for elections ,now since elections are over and congress is ruling. they should allow private buses to ply on the highways. There is a huge difference between private buses run in Mlore kasargod route & Mlore Udupi routes in their services offered, their attitude etc.
Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah
Mon, Sep 26 2011
Beautiful coverage with good photos. There was a horrible accident yesterday in Jaipur when 5 youths who sat on the roof of Gwaliar-Udaipur train were killed when they were crushed under the bridge.It was so gruesome that officials found out the blood stains upto 100 kms ! These youths were not uneducated ,they were going to appear for entrance exam.It is the duty of Railway Ministers and Officials to give full security to passengers with strict rules,regulations and more train services.Thanks Daiji for the article.
Raafi, Mangalore
Mon, Sep 26 2011
Yes your right,BJP Supporting only for looting money,like janardana reddy
sunil, mangalore
Mon, Sep 26 2011
the bridge half constrcted in neteravathi river.... im seeng it from past 10 yrs... vry slow constrction... 1 pillar 1 year
VNayak, Mangalore/Switzerland
Mon, Sep 26 2011
Since independence 60 years ago,India has added only 10% of new railway tracks and trains though the demand has gone up 10 times. This train and tracks look prehistoric. The central govt has ignored the need of the coastal people and Karnataka in general since BJP is in charge. The state govt could have taken proactive role in lobbying with the central govt to modernaize and extend our railway system.
Haneef, puttur
Mon, Sep 26 2011
..if sometimes the space is enough inside students love to hang outside, so, how the railway department takes the responsibility in the same manner the railway. police should take action....dayas photography itself gives a good report ....it should be seriously taken into consider......
Amin Bhoja, kkuh/ riyadh
Mon, Sep 26 2011
It looks very dangerous,Specially for the young students who likes always some kind of thrill.The concerned railway department to arrange extra trains with more added frequency will benefit the most needed.Govt.should look into this matter to improve the system for the betterment and for easy traveling.
WILSON RODRIGUES, SHIRVA/DUBAI
Mon, Sep 26 2011
Really sad... This shows our Central Government not concentrating on infrastructures. This railway track built during British rule in India. Our Ministers busy in corruptions and scams. ... WILSON RODRIGUES
nagesh nayak, bangalore
Mon, Sep 26 2011
AFTER INDEPENDENCE MOST OF THE TIME CONGRESS RULED OUR COUNTRY & NEVER BOTHERED ABOUT POOR, COMMON & MIDDLE CLASS PEOPLE.

THERE IS NO VALUE FOR HONESTY & PATRIOTISM UNDER THE CONGRESS RULE.

CONGRESS GAVE UTMOST IMPORTANTS TO SCAMS, CORRUPTION & ANTI NATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

DEVELOPMENT, PATRIOTISM ARE NOT IN THE DICTIONARY OF CONGESS.
Ashok, Udupi/Dubai
Sun, Sep 25 2011
What to say. We have lots of money, Natural resourses etc etc. But because of Corrupt politician who ruled India for 65 years , we all are suffering.

Vasant Raj, Udupi / Abudhabi.
Sun, Sep 25 2011
It's very dangerous travel, if you see the city bus coming from Kavoor to State Bank also filled by the travelers, specially the students. This is also danger.

Special

Chervattoor-Mangalore Train : Journeying with Danger, Every Day

Comment on this article

haris, uppala miyapadauv/dubai

Tony, Mangalore/Sydney

Ashwin, bejai/mangalore

Dave, Melbourne

Jai Shetty, Manjeshwar/Tokyo,Japan

Ashwin, bejai/mangalore

mohammed, mangalore/dubai

Prema Stephen, Bangalore

Bulsam, Mangalore

Suresh A Kamath, Kanhangad/Muscat

sudheesh, mangalore

RAMESH MANJESHWAR, MANGALORE/BAHRAIN

Tony, Mangalore/Sydney

Valson Mendonsa, Mangalore/USA

arjun, India

Joy, Mangalore/ New York

Jai Shetty , Manjeshwar /Japan

SKM, Udupi

Ronald D, Udupi

RAM, DUBAI

ashfak, mangalore/qatar

A. S. Mathew, U.S.A.

austin, mangalore

I. Husein, Mangalore

KGShenoy, Mangalore/Dubai

Aravind Prakash, Managalore/Dubai

praveen,

Asif, manglore

Shekar Moily Padebettu, Padebettu/Udipi

Ganesh, Mangalore

Vasant Raj, Udupi / Abudhabi.

Shekar Moily Padebettu, Padebettu/Udipi

Ganesh, Mangalore

KGShenoy, Mangalore/Dubai

jatin, mlore

Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah

Raafi, Mangalore

sunil, mangalore

VNayak, Mangalore/Switzerland

Haneef, puttur

Amin Bhoja, kkuh/ riyadh

WILSON RODRIGUES, SHIRVA/DUBAI

nagesh nayak, bangalore

Ashok, Udupi/Dubai

Vasant Raj, Udupi / Abudhabi.

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Title: Chervattoor-Mangalore Train : Journeying with Danger, Every Day