Fifty out of 374 unmanned level crossings in Madurai division would be converted into manned ones soon, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) A.K. Goel said.
Releasing a safety poster in connection with International Level Crossing Awareness Day observed on Thursday, he said that the infrastructure and manpower would be provided to convert the unmanned level crossings to manned level crossings in a phased manner.
Stating that unmanned level crossings posed a great risk, he said that accidents at unmanned level crossings could be controlled only through creating awareness among road users. Efforts were also being taken to improve night vision safety standards at manned level crossings using reflectors and lighting arrangement.
Besides, the division was taking various steps to reduce accidents at unmanned level crossings by constructing limited use subways, road over-bridges and by diverting road traffic through adjacent level crossings.
The division had taken up construction of nine limited use subways, one road over-bridge and diverting road traffic through adjacent level crossings at five places. Four level crossings were closed for lack of adequate road traffic volume, he said.
As part of the international level crossing awareness day, the Safety Organisation of Southern Railway would take up various programmes such as ambush check at unmanned level crossings, film show on safety for drivers, seminar on safety, safety propaganda, street play and bicycle rally at various places in the division till June 15.
Additional Divisional Railway Manager T. Venkatasubramanian, Divisional Safety Officer K.S. Lakshmanan and Divisional Engineer (South) B.N.S. Chalam were among those who were present.
