DHAKA: Brought in place by the colonial British rulers centuries back, Bangladesh’s railway still runs mostly as per the rules set by them, belying government initiatives for modernization of the mass-transport sector.

And true to the British rules formulated way back in 1862, Government still pays Tk 10,000 as compensation for a life lost in a train accident.

Belayet Hossain, Director-General of Bangladesh Railway, told banglanews24.com.bd, “The compensation rate for a victim of train accident was determined by the British government.”

Sources said the railway authorities have paid compensation to more than five hundred victims since independence. Most of the accidents occurred during level crossing and no families of victims got more than Tk 10,000, they added.

Railway sources said train communications become riskier for frail rail lines, faulty locomotives and unauthorized level crossing in many places.

The railway authorities are not intended to take responsibility for level-crossing accidents showing excuse of lack of manpower, financial crisis and legitimacy.

Belayet Hossain said, “The amount of compensation is really poor at the present times. We are considering sending a proposal for increasing the amount.”

But the authorities were reluctant to mention the new amount of compensation.

BDST: 2100 HRS, AUGT 20, 2010