New Delhi Indian Railways orders CCTVs at all level crossings following Cuddalore crash
Indian Railways has issued urgent directives for the installation of comprehensive CCTV systems at all level crossings nationwide. This critical measure follows a tragic incident in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district, where a passenger train collided with a school van, resulting in fatalities and injuries. The mandate, issued by the Railway Minister, underscores an intensified commitment to preventing future mishaps and ensuring the safety of both commuters and pedestrians at these vital rail-road intersections, thereby contributing to safer and more equitable urban and rural transport environments.
The new directives extend beyond mere surveillance, encompassing a multi-pronged approach to enhance safety protocols. A key policy shift includes lowering the traffic volume threshold for interlocking works by half to 10,000 Train Vehicle Units (TVUs), which will significantly increase the number of level crossings equipped with advanced interlocking facilities. This technological upgrade is crucial: currently, at non-interlocked gates, a train can receive a ‘green signal’ from a station master even if the gate is not fully closed, posing a substantial risk. With interlocking, the train will only proceed once the gate is securely shut, eliminating this dangerous human-error variable.
Furthermore, the Railway Ministry has directed all zones to implement a stringent process for obtaining prior permission for the operation of engineering trolleys on railway tracks. This follows another unfortunate incident in Bihar’s Katihar district, where a maintenance trolley collided with a passenger train, causing a fatality and injuries to railway personnel. Such measures reflect a holistic review of safety procedures, aiming to mitigate risks associated with both public crossings and internal operational movements, thereby enhancing the overall safety ecosystem of the railway network.
Officials have confirmed that these measures are part of 11 key actions decided upon after a comprehensive review meeting on critical safety issues. The implementation of CCTV systems at all level crossing gates will enable continuous monitoring, allowing for retrospective analysis of incidents and, potentially, real-time intervention where feasible. To ensure uninterrupted operation, these CCTV systems will be powered by a combination of commercial supply, solar panels, battery backup, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, showcasing a commitment to robust and sustainable infrastructure. Railway Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are being mobilised to fast-track the interlocking works.
Beyond technological interventions, the directives also include standardisation and correction of speed breakers and the prominent installation of clear warning boards at all level crossing gates. For non-interlocked gates that will remain in operation, a rigorous daily random check of voice recordings will be conducted for at least two gates per division, with Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) mandated to confirm the functionality of voice logger systems. These comprehensive steps signify a resolute effort by Indian Railways to drastically reduce accidents at level crossings, moving towards a future where rail transport is not only efficient and eco-friendly but also unequivocally safe for every citizen, thus underpinning the development of more livable and secure cities.