Under the new mechanism, the gates will automatically close when a train approaches and if the gate remains open, the system will prevent the train from getting a green signal. This will reduces the risk of accidents caused by human error or negligence, officials said
The Railway Board has asked all zones to complete key infrastructure work, including signalling buildings, by June 15, 2026. Representational Pic/File
The Railway Board has instructed all railway zones to speed up the installation of automatic closure systems at 1,228 level crossings across the country. The move aims to ensure that trains cannot receive a green signal unless the crossing gates are properly closed to road traffic, reported the PTI.
The system, known as interlocking of level crossing (LC) gates, is designed to improve safety.
Under the new mechanism, the gates will automatically close when a train approaches and if the gate remains open, the system will prevent the train from getting a green signal. This will reduces the risk of accidents caused by human error or negligence, officials said, according to the PTI.
Action following fatal accident
The directive follows a tragic accident on July 8, 2025, in Cuddalore, where a passenger train collided with a school van, resulting in the deaths of three children.
After the incident, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw ordered the installation of interlocking systems at high-risk crossings, the news agency reported.
Railway officials use a measure called Train Vehicle Unit (TVU) to assess traffic at level crossings.
TVU is calculated by multiplying the number of trains and road vehicles passing through a crossing each day. Crossings with a TVU above 10,000 have been prioritised for safety upgrades.
A total of 1,228 such crossings across 16 railway zones have been identified for the installation of interlocking systems.
Deadline and implementation plan
In a recent directive, the Board asked all zones to expedite the work and complete all installations as soon as possible.
"Interlocking of LC gates is very important for ensuring safety in train operation. Various works of LC gate Interlocking have already been sanctioned for LC gates having TVU> 20,000," its letter said.
It added, "The progress of these works needs to be expedited and it is advised that necessary measures are taken for construction of signalling building at all sanctioned LC gates and it shall be completed by 15.06.2026."
The Railway Board has asked all zones to complete key infrastructure work, including signalling buildings, by June 15, 2026.
Special attention has been directed towards:
- Crossings with TVU above 20,000
- Crossings with TVU between 20,000 and 50,000
- All crossings exceeding 10,000 TVU
The officials have been told to fast-track approvals and ensure timely completion of the safety measures.
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