Saudi Railway accidents under urgent study

Muhammad Abu Zaid, a spokesman for the Saudi Railways Organization (SRO), said that Mohammed Al-Suwaiket, president of the SRO, has pointed out new trends, which will lead the organization through the developmental stages of the safety of trains, tracks and stations.
Al-Suwaiket held a meeting this week with drivers and supervisors at railway stations to discuss the cause of accidents.
The meeting aimed to develop train services and to involve drivers and supervisors in the decision-making process, which would help reduce the incidence of railway accidents.
The discussion included operational steps, which had achieved positive results in the reduction of accidents and damage to the trailers and railway tracks.
Al-Suwaiket laid down procedures to curb railway accidents. These include strict accountability and penalties commensurate with the size of the damage. The measures are approved by civil service regulations, sanctions, a rewards system and staff disciplinary body.
He called upon employees to respond to new plans and changes to the SRO in terms of developing job skills, safety instructions and compliance with the operating system. This would assure the safety of passengers, shipments, reduction of public expenditure, security of individual property and equipment.
Al-Suwaiket lauded the efforts of SRO staff and appreciated the difficulty of performing duties responsibly under the pressure of climate change. Finally, he asked for a team to be set up to look into the main causes of train accidents and to find ways to reduce their incidence.