Following a recent fatal accident in Tamil Nadu, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has mandated a comprehensive CCTV system and other significant safety upgrades at all level crossings across the railway network.
Immediate Action After Tragic Accident
The directive comes just a day after a heartbreaking collision in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district. A passenger train struck a school van at a level crossing, resulting in the tragic deaths of three children.
This incident has prompted an urgent review of railway safety protocols, leading to 11 key actions focused on enhancing safety at level crossings nationwide.
CCTV Surveillance for All Level Crossings
A crucial decision is the immediate implementation of CCTV systems at all level crossing gates. This measure aims to prevent similar incidents by providing continuous monitoring.
These CCTV systems will have a robust power supply, utilizing solar panels, battery backups, and UPS, in addition to commercial electricity, ensuring uninterrupted operation.
Accelerated Interlocking of Gates
The Railways Minister has also directed a fast-track approach to interlocking level crossing gates. This system is vital because it ensures the train cannot receive a green signal until the crossing gate is securely closed, significantly reducing accident risks.
Previously, interlocking was mandatory only at crossings with a high traffic volume (20,000 Train Vehicle Units or TVU). This threshold has now been lowered to 10,000 TVU, allowing more level crossings to be equipped with this critical safety feature.
Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) of the Railways will be involved to speed up these interlocking works, covering all gates above the new 10,000 TVU threshold, regardless of future plans for Road Over Bridges (ROBs) or Road Under Bridges (RUBs).
Enhanced Monitoring and Inspections
For level crossings that are not yet interlocked, new monitoring protocols are being introduced. Daily random checks of voice recordings will be conducted for at least two gates per division to ensure proper communication and procedures are followed.
Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) are now tasked with confirming that voice logger systems are fully functional at all non-interlocked gates, adding another layer of oversight.
Additional Safety Measures Unveiled
Further actions include the standardization and correction of speed breakers and warning boards at all level crossing gates, ensuring clear signage and safe passage for vehicles.
A list of “conflict-prone” gates, where public pressure or human interference often occurs, will be compiled. Railway Protection Force (RPF) or Home Guard deployment will be ensured at these locations to maintain order and safety.
A 15-day intensive safety inspection drive specifically targeting level crossing gates in block sections is also set to begin immediately.
Budget and Future Outlook
For the fiscal year 2024-25, a substantial allocation of ₹706 crore has been made for level crossing safety works, alongside ₹7,000 crore for the construction of ROBs and RUBs.
As of April 1, 2024, India had 17,083 manned level crossings, with 497 eliminated by January 2025 in the previous fiscal year. The long-term vision under the National Rail Plan aims to replace all level crossings with grade separators by 2030, especially on routes designated for high-speed passenger trains.
- CCTV systems mandated for all level crossings nationwide.
- Traffic volume threshold for interlocking lowered to 10,000 TVU.
- Daily random voice recording checks at non-interlocked gates.
- Special attention and RPF deployment for “conflict-prone” gates.
- Nationwide 15-day safety inspection drive on level crossings.
These new directives underscore the Railways’ commitment to bolstering safety infrastructure and operational protocols at critical junctures across the network.
