4188 Gate Mitras at unmanned level crossings to curb mishaps

Railways have deployed more than 4000 'Gate Mitras' or gate counsellors at certain unmanned level crossings, identified as vulnerable, to strengthen passengers' safety and to prevent accidents.
There are a total of 4188 Gate Mitras deployed at vulnerable unmanned level crossings across the country, a senior Railway Ministry official said.
Gate Mitras are imparted training on how to handle unmanned level crossings as maximum accidents occur at these spots. They are also suitably counselled before being deployed there.
They alert road users about arrival of trains and help them cross the track safely. At the time of arrival of trains, they stop vehicles a few yards away.

"Such measures would help check accidents," the official said, adding, "Deployment of the Gate Mitra is an additional step besides the ongoing awareness campaign through posters, radio, newspapers and other media about how to use the rail crossings safely".
Gate Mitras are given a reflector jacket, flags and an identity card and they are also provided shelters near the crossings.

Currently, railways have 31,254 level crossings, of which about 40 per cent are unmanned. Maximum number of accidents take place at these crossings.
Despite financial constraints, railways have set an ambitious target of eliminating 10,797 level crossings during the 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17) and has decided not to add any new level crossing to the rail network in future.

Railways was making all efforts to convert unmanned level crossings into either manned level crossings or provide limited use subways.
Gate Mitras are being deployed as a temporary measure on contractual basis at different vulnerable unmanned level crossings till these gates are eliminated.