Title - Railways to phase out unmanned crossings

ALLAHABAD: Indian Railways has decided to phase out all unmanned level crossings (ULCs) in the coming years. The unmanned level crossings will be eliminated through closure, merger or subways/railway under bridges.

The decision has been taken following review of the policy of manning of unmanned level crossings. It has emerged from the analysis of pattern of accidents that manning of unmanned level crossing is not an ideal solution.

On unmanned level crossings which have nil/negligible, Train Vehicle Unit (TVU) movement will be eventually closed. However, some of the unmanned crossings will be merged with a nearby manned or unmanned gates or subway or Road Under Bridge (RUB) or Road Over Bridge (ROB) by construction of diversion road. However, some of the unmanned crossings will be replaced with the provision of subways or construction of Railway Under Bridges (RUBs).

However, remaining of the unmanned level crossings which cannot be eliminated by above means, will be progressively manned based on rail-road traffic volume, visibility conditions for which there is following criteria. In category number I, all unmanned level crossings gates with Train Vehicle Unit (TVU) above 3000. In category number II, there are many unmanned level crossings gates with visibility restricted to 800 meters for road users and TVU above 2500. However, in category number III are all the unmanned level crossings which do not fall in category I and II.