Every year, UIC (International Union of Railways) observes one day as the International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD). This year, 7th May, 2013 is being observed as ILCAD. South Central Railway is participating in this global campaign to sensitize road users to enhance safety at level crossings. The International Level Crossing Awareness Day focuses on educational measures and promotion of safe behavior at and around level crossings.
The number of accidents at unmanned level crossings occurring on Indian Railways is a matter of concern. As on 1st April, 2013, there are 2122 level crossings over South Central Railway, out of which 705 are unmanned level crossings, where the accidents occur primarily due to inadequate precautions by the road users like failing to observe the mandatory signboards, and basic traffic safety rules as per the Motor Vehicles Act.
Special Safety Drive:South Central Railway launches a seven days long Special Safety Drive especially targeting safety at unmanned level crossings from 7thto 13th May, 2013 with a view to eradicate accidents at unmanned level crossings. The drive focuses on organizing public awareness campaigns to educate and counsel the road users and make them aware of the relevant provisions related to safe crossing of Level Crossings such as:-
Organizing safety Seminars at various places in the Divisions including Road Transport offices and Educational institutions.
Checking the whistling habits of Loco Pilots while approaching the 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 & Civil Authorities at the level crossings to apprehend errant road users u/s of Motor Vehicle Act.
Ensuring availability of speed breakers whistle boards, road signs and stop boards etc. at LCs
South Central Railway has formulated a Safety Action Plan to eliminate all the unmanned Level Crossings by FY 2016 through various measures such as replacement of Unmanned Level Crossings with Limited Height Subways, suitable road diversions and manning of Unmanned Level Crossing etc. During the last years, 168 Unmanned Level Crossings have been eliminated in SCR. Apart from elimination of Unmanned Level Crossings, a large number of campaigns / programs are also being organized.
Cooperation from all Road Vehicle users is solicited in following the safety procedures while crossing unmanned level crossings. The simple act of stopping and looking out for any approaching train in both directions and then crossing the track in a safe manner at unmanned level crossings will avoid any scope for accident. Alertness and caution on the part of road users is of prime importance to achieve zero accidents at level crossings.
