1,361 level crossings across country unathourised

A total of 219 people were killed in 116 accidents at level crossings across the country in more than two and a half years.

The death tolls from the rail accidents in the country occurred from 2020 to July 28, 2022, according to a report published by Road Safety Foundation (RSF).

There were 2,856 railway crossings on 2,959 km railway of the country.

Out of the 2, 856, a total of 1,495 railway crossings are authorised and 1,361 are found as the unathourised.

There are no gatemen at 961 level crossings while 82 per cent of railway crossings in the country are hazardous, according to the RSF report.

Some 74 were killed in 35 rail accidents until July 22, 2022 while 76 died in 43 such accidents in 2021.

Apart from this, as many as 69 were killed in 38 rail accidents in 2020, as per the RSF report. 

The causes of such accidents were identified as no initiative taken for gatemen and gatebars at many level crossings which considered unauthorised and illegal; duty of negligence seen among the gatemen at many authorised level crossings and shortage of manpower as gatemen; lack of awareness and impatience among vehicle drivers and road users; Culture of impunity seen among those responsible for accidents and lack of malgovernance in railway management.

The RSF also suggested appointing gatemen and provide suitable gatebars at all level crossings.

It also recommended using of technology at railway crossings and ensuring good governance in railway management by resolving manpower crisis.

The organisation also called for conducting media campaign to create awareness among road users.

This report reveals only accidents and fatalities at railway crossings.

Apart from this, many accidents and fatalities occurred on the railway tracks, which are not included in the report.

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