Eleven key steps have been drawn up as part of the renewed push to improve safety. Among the top priorities is the installation of CCTV cameras with backup power at all level crossings
The Minister flagged several safety concerns and called for immediate corrective action at the LC gates across the network. File pic
The Indian Railways has launched a 15-day safety inspection drive focused on level crossing (LC) gates in block sections, following a comprehensive review by the Railway Minister on Wednesday. During the review, conducted over the phone with senior officials, the Minister flagged several safety concerns and called for immediate corrective action at the LC gates across the network.
Eleven key steps have been drawn up as part of the renewed push to improve safety. Among the top priorities is the installation of CCTV cameras with backup power at all level crossings. These will be powered by a combination of commercial supply, solar panels, batteries, and UPS systems to ensure uninterrupted monitoring.
Officials are also revisiting policy decisions around ‘close to road traffic’ and ‘open to road traffic’ gates, while pushing for faster interlocking of gates, particularly those with high traffic volumes. The threshold for such upgrades has been lowered, with interlocking now required at gates with over 10,000 Train Vehicle Units (TVUs), down from the earlier 20,000.
Daily random voice checks at non-interlocked gates will be mandatory, and all DRMs must confirm that voice loggers are functioning properly. Other measures include standardising signage and speed breakers at crossings, identifying high-conflict areas for added RPF or Home Guard presence, and speeding up underpass and overpass construction to eventually eliminate LC gates altogether.
Indian Railways to host heritage events at 15 Maharashtra stations
Six other key Mumbai stations and the Matheran Light Railway will also host similar events. “The Ministry of Railways has decided to celebrate the centenary of heritage stations across Indian Railways based on their respective dates of inception. A total of 143 stations have been identified across various zones and states for organising station mahotsavs,” a spokesperson said.
Out of these, 15 stations are located in Maharashtra, most of which are part of the Central Railway. These include Mumbai CSMT, Byculla, Reay Road, Asangaon, Vasind, Kasara, Igatpuri, Murtizapur, Nagpur, Ahmednagar, Kolhapur, Wathar, Devlali, and all stations along the Neral–Matheran line.
“Station Mahotsav events, designed to engage the community, highlight the historical significance of railway stations. They often coincide with milestones such as station inaugurations or the opening of new rail lines. These events aim to educate the public about the railway’s heritage — from station buildings to vintage equipment — and their vital role in India’s development,” the spokesperson added.
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