The South Central Railway (SCR) has formulated a Safety Action Plan to eliminate all Unmanned Level Crossings (ULCs) by 2016 through various measures such as their replacement with limited height sub-ways, suitable road diversions etc.
In the last few years, 168 unmanned level crossings have been eliminated and a number of campaigns and programmes have also been undertaken. As part of the International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) on Tuesday, the SCR is organising a campaign to sensitise road users. The ILCAD focuses on educational measures and promotion of safe behaviour at and around level crossings.
According to the SCR, as on April 1, 2013, there are 2,122 level crossings in its limits, out of which 705 are unmanned, where accidents occur primarily due to inadequate precautions taken by road users like failing to observe mandatory signboards and basic traffic safety rules as per the Motor Vehicles Act.
The SCR will launch a seven-day long Special Safety Drive especially targeting safety at unmanned level crossings from May 7 to 13 to curb accidents at unmanned level crossings.
The measures include organising safety seminars at various places in the divisions including Road Transport offices and educational institutions, checking whistling habits of Loco Pilots while approaching level crossings by deputing officers and supervisors in the first coach immediately after the Locos of the trains, Joint ambush checks involving Railway Protection Force, Government Railway Police and civil authorities at the level crossings to apprehend errant road users under the Motor Vehicle Act and ensuring availability of speed breakers, whistle boards, road signs and stop boards etc at LCs.