The town of Tazmalt in Algeria's Kabylie region is home to a railway line that runs from north to south and features a historic train station built in the late 19th century. According to local archives, the railway arrived in Tazmalt in 1888 and extended 8km to the Béni Mansour station the following year. The railway line, which connects Béjaïa to Béni Mansour, has several unguarded crossings that pose a significant risk to motorists and pedestrians.
Out of the multiple railway crossings in Tazmalt, only two have guard posts, located at the Allaghane and Tamozonit villages. The remaining crossings, including those at the entrance and exit of Tazmalt's train station and near the Tassergant village, are unguarded despite being frequently used. These crossings see significant daily traffic, putting citizens, motorists, and pedestrians at risk of accidents involving passenger and freight trains.
The risks associated with these unguarded crossings are heightened by the high speeds at which trains, particularly autorails, travel. In the past, several accidents have occurred at these crossings, resulting in fatalities and injuries. The situation has prompted concerns among locals, who are calling for the Société des chemins de fer (SNTF) to provide guard services at the most frequently used crossings.
The issue is particularly pressing for students who live on the opposite side of the railway line from their school. Pupils from the Ichikar hamlet must cross the railway tracks to attend the Mohand Saïd Ziri primary school, located near the train station. Parents are urging the local authorities and SNTF to install a pedestrian bridge within the train station to ensure the children's safety.
Residents of Tazmalt are demanding that the SNTF take immediate action to address the situation. They argue that guarding the most frequently used crossings and installing safety infrastructure, such as pedestrian bridges, would significantly reduce the risk of accidents and protect lives and property.
The local authorities, including the Assemblée populaire communale (APC), have been urged to work with the SNTF to find a solution to the problem. The issue has been highlighted as a priority by locals, who are eager to see improvements to the safety of the railway crossings in Tazmalt.
The town of Tazmalt is not only concerned about the immediate risks posed by the unguarded crossings but also about the long-term consequences of inaction. With the railway line likely to continue to see significant traffic, the need for safety measures has become increasingly pressing.
Key points
- Locals are calling for the SNTF to provide guard services at the most frequently used crossings.
- The lack of safety infrastructure, such as pedestrian bridges, poses a significant risk to students and other users of the railway crossings.
- The issue has been highlighted as a priority by locals, who are urging the APC and SNTF to work together to find a solution.
