Viral Video: Probably more from a sense of entitlement than a sense of wonder, there is a video surfacing on the internet that shows a man taking a nap on an active railway track in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. He ought to have felt that it was a very good idea to use a railway track as a bed, and so he laid himself on the tracks with a big umbrella over his head for shade. The loco pilot, who fortunately noticed the danger in time, captured this baffling scene on camera.
Man Uses Railway Track as a Bed
In the video shared by the popular page Ghar Ke Kalesh on X, one can see how the loco pilot stopped just before touching the sleeping man. In urgency, the pilot got out and woke up the man, shifted him away from the tracks, hence saving what almost became a disaster. The train continued after having ensured the safety of the man.
The incident raises serious questions about safety and how careless the individual is. The ingenuity displayed by the man to use an umbrella as shade may be termed Indian jugaad, but sleeping on a railway track reflects utmost disregard for safety. This incident has come at a time when accidents by trains are happening frequently and the blame is invariably laid on government inefficiency. Instances like this dangerous behavior, however, at the same time underline the very important fact that personal responsibility is equally requisite to ensure safety.
Quick Thinking by Loco Pilot Prevents Potential Disaster
The reactions on social media were mixed, though; some took it as a comical misjudgment on the part of the man, but others slammed the dangerous lapse in judgment. User @Imsamarpit commented on the rising train accidents, suggesting probably a conspiracy, but this incident more clearly underlines the need to become more aware and cautious. While it may be hilariously absurd to many, this episode essentially raises serious questions about possible dangers due to the laxity in observing the safety standards.