Red signal to unmanned level crossings

KOCHI: In a move which would pave the way for the gradual scrapping of the unmanned level crossings across the state, the Railway Board has given its nod to construct Road Under-bridges (RUB) and Subways. The proposal has been initiated in view of the Union Railway Ministry’s move to completely wipe out unmanned level crossings in India by 2015. “Unmanned level crossings are a matter of concern for the safe running of trains. Efforts are being taken at the top levels to eliminate this menace,” said an official with the Railways in the Thiruvananthapuram division.The decision to construct Road Under-bridge in lieu of Railway Overbridge was taken with the aim to make the initiative more cost-effective. The RuB will also be built in areas where the vehicle density at level crossings are high. The work is likely to be entrusted with the Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala (RBDCK). For this, a study will be held to find out the density of the vehicles that are using unmanned level crossings in the state. Based on the survey, decisions will be taken whether an RuB is feasible in the region. Those unmanned level crossings with low population density, will be closed permanently. Instead, new roads will be set up to connect the area with the nearby manned level crossing. A few unmanned level crossings will be replaced with interlocking railway gates having signals, compared to the Vehicle Unit ratio. This will help bring down accidents, officials cited. In those areas wherein unmanned level crossings cannot be eliminated at all, the Railways has decided to man such gates. According to officials, at least 3-5 percentage lose in punctuality of running of trains has been affected owing to the level crossings.