Campaign to prevent accidents at unmanned level crossings

At present, there are total of 31,846 level crossings out of which 13,530 are unmanned across the country.

"Accidents occur primarily due to inadequate precautions by the road users failing to observe mandatory sign boards, signals and basic traffic safety rules," said a senior Railway Ministry official.

The awareness campaign launched by railways include publicity through various media like newspapers, TV, radio, distribution of posters, leaflets, various short duration films and advertisements.

"There is a need to educate people at village panchayats, schools, weekly markets in rural areas and also carry out ambush checks at unmanned level crossings," he said.

Every year, International Union of Railways (UIC) observes International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD). "This year June 7 is being observed as ILCAD and Railways have decided to participate in the global campaign to sensitise road users to increase safety at unmanned level crossings," he said.

The ILCAD focuses on educational measures and the promotion of safe behaviour at and around level crossings.

In order to enhance the safety and reduce inconvenience to road users, busy level crossings are being replaced by Road Over Bridges (ROB) or Road Under Bridges (RUB) and Limited Height Sub Ways (LHS) gradually.

In the year 2011-12, 879 ROB/RUB/LHS have been constructed under various schemes.