NF Railway closes unauthorized crossings over railway line
GUWAHATI: Every year many lives are lost while trying to cross the railway tracks at unauthorised locations. Since January 2021 upto May 9, 2022, almost 29 untoward incidents (dashing with road vehicles) have been recorded with loss of lives. As a part of its drive to ensure further safety, NF Railway (NFR) has already eliminated all unmanned level crossing gates. In addition to that, NFR is also putting in efforts to prohibit unauthorised crossing of railway tracks.
NF Railway has identified the vulnerable locations where run-over is taking place repeatedly and has taken measures to minimize accidents. Out of a total of 950 identified unauthorized crossings over NF Railway, 754 have already been closed down, warning boards have been erected at 919 locations and trenches have been provided at 181 locations. Awareness programmes are being conducted by NF Railway at schools, colleges, panchayats etc. to educate general public about avoiding crossing of railway tracks at unauthorized locations so as to avert fatal incidents.
Closing of unauthorised crossings is for the benefit of the general public and continued usage of such crossings by the public will eventually lead to fatal accidents as is evident from a recent incident. On May 9, two persons travelling in a private vehicle, while trying to cross the railway track at an unauthorized location collided with the Naharlagun- Tinsukia Intercity Express at Bordoloni area of Dhemaji district, lost their lives. Several attempts have been made by the Railway authorities to eliminate this particular unauthorized crossing but the public continued using this crossing which led to this horrific incident.
NF Railway discourages the unauthorised crossing and trespassing of railway premises (including railway tracks), and advice the public to follow Railway safety rules. Trespassing of railway premises at unauthorized places is a punishable offence and these measures are adopted as the Railway is concerned about the safety and well-being of the general public, stated a press release.
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