Eastern Railway Implements Advanced Safety System at Level Crossings in West Bengal

Kolkata, September 23 (Daily Kiran) : In Kolkata, Eastern Railway has taken significant steps to enhance safety at level crossings following a tragic accident earlier this year that claimed five lives. On September 23, the railway introduced an advanced automated system at a non-interlocked level crossing, aimed at preventing future incidents.

The initiative was launched in the presence of Eastern Railway General Manager Geetika Pandey. In addition to the newly upgraded crossing, two other crossings between Karan Subarn and Khagardah Road stations also received the new system.

The accident occurred on July 17 when a gatekeeper failed to close the crossing in time, resulting in a train colliding with a car carrying children. Four children and a cyclist lost their lives, and several others, including the driver, sustained serious injuries.

In the wake of this tragedy, the Ministry of Railways directed Eastern Railway to implement necessary safety improvements. On Wednesday, Pandey reviewed operational procedures at one of the crossings and assessed the gatekeeper’s knowledge of safety protocols and emergency procedures.

She emphasized the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations and maintaining vigilance during critical duties. Pandey also inspected the interlocking panel at Karan Subarn station and discussed operational safety provisions with the station master.

With the new automated system, the station master can monitor the status of level crossing gates in real-time. This technology facilitates communication between the station master and gatekeeper, ensuring that the gate is closed before allowing trains to proceed.

A railway official noted that the system incorporates several technology-based safety features, including verification of boom and lever locking, physical authentication based on RKT, and accurate detection of train passage.

This system is designed as an additional safety measure, complementing the operational processes and communication protocols among railway staff. The goal is to strengthen coordination between the station master and gatekeeper, thereby reducing the likelihood of procedural errors during train operations.