In view of some of the recent incidents where road users roughed up level crossing ‘chowkidars’ and tried to cross the track after breaking the gates of the level crossing, Railway would like to appeal to the public as follows:
The road users are requested to observe safety norms while crossing railway tracks at level crossings.
At the unmanned level crossing, road users are advised to stop, look, listen and then proceed. Road users should cross the tracks only when sure of the fact that no train is coming from either side.
In case of manned level crossings, road users are advised to wait till the gates are opened by the gatemen. The public is also requested not to force or rough up the level crossing ‘chowkidar’ to open the gate or break the gate and forcibly try to cross the tracks because such misadventure would endanger road users’ own life and also the lives of many rail passengers.
As life is precious, it is good to be cautions and safe while driving vehicles across the level crossings, It must be appreciated that first right of way is for the Railways and that the train cannot stop immediately even after applying the brakes and can come to halt only after traveling a distance of 500 meters to 1 Kilometer.
Negligently crossing unmanned level crossing is a punishable offence under Section 161 of the Indian Railways Act 1989 and Section 131 of Motor Vehicles Act.
Similarly, beating or roughing up a public servant on duly, obstructing Government servant in carrying out his duty, damaging Government property and unauthorized crossing of tracks are all punishable offence under various laws of land.
Safety of people is primary concern of the Railways. By observing patience and rules, we together can save innocent lives.
