Railways to Eliminate Unmanned Level Crossings

If everything remains ok then unmanned level crossing of Indian Railway would be a part of history. Indian railways have decided to eliminate unmanned level crossings by constructing Road Under Bridge or Sub way in lieu of level crossing. Such an action will be beneficial for those crossings where generally accidents occur.

The Minister of State for Railways K. H. Muniyappa gave this information in Lok Sabha today. According to him Indian Railways is to eliminate unmanned level crossings by constructing Road Under Bridge (RUB)/subways in lieu of level crossing, by constructing diversion road for merger of unmanned level crossing gate to nearby manned or unmanned gates or subway or RUB or Road Over Bridge (ROB) and by closing unmanned level crossings having NIL Vehicle Unit where roads are non-existent on either side. Railways have also decided to progressively man such unmanned level crossings, which cannot be eliminated by any other means.

It is noted that Indian Railways have as on 1st April 2011, there are 14896 unmanned and 17839 manned level crossings on Indian Railways. There is around 3 to 5 per cent loss in punctuality of trains due to level crossings. Aforesaid works shall be completed in due course of time subject to financial resources and cooperation of State Government, particularly, consents of closure of level crossing and undertaking to maintain road and drainage in future.