PRESS MEET by DRM/Salem on International Level Crossing Safety Day

Shri SHUBHRANSHU, Divisional Railway Manager, Southern Railway, Salem Division, addressed the media persons today (06.06.2014) on the eve of International Level Crossing Safety Day that was observed on 03.06.2014. 

Detailing on the week long activities undertaken by the Safety Branch of Salem Division, Shri Shubranshu mentioned that 

1. 325 Nos. of banners were exhibited in 82 railway stations, Salem Divisional Office premises, and 232 level crossings in Salem Division.

2. Video Clipping on 'Safe Crossing of unmanned Level Crossings' was aired in local TV channels

3. A Slide on 'Safe Crossing of unmanned Level Crossings' was screened in local cinema halls

4. A broadcast on 'Safety Precautions while using unmanned Level Crossings' was aired in Kodai FM of All India Radio

5. Safety Drama on 'Safe Crossing of Unmanned Level Crossings' was enacted at the Government Higher Secondary School, Attur

6. 500 Nos. pencil boxes containing pen, pencil, eraser and sharpener carrying Safety Slogans were distributed to School Children in and around Salem

He further explained that most accidents take place in unmanned LCs are the result of haste and hurry in crossing the railway line. Had people exercised a little amount of caution, loss of human lives and damage to property could be avoided, he added. He said that since its inception in November 2007, Salem Division has faced 15 incidents in unmanned LCs and the goal for Salem Division is to ensure Zero Incidents. He further stated that in the total No. of 314 Level Crossings in Salem Division, 232 are manned and 82 are unmanned. Effective steps are being taken by Salem Division to eliminate these unmanned LCs in a phased manner either by manning them, providing Limited Subways (LUS), connecting them with the nearby roads, or by building Road Over-bridges (ROBs)/Road Under-Bridges(RUBs). He further explained that both manning and provision of ROB/RUB in place of unmanned LCs are both costly/time consuming alternatives, the help of the State Government is being solicited for sharing of cost. Even in the case of LUS, he stated that the height of the LUS is a matter of dispute since the local bodies want higher LUS which may result in deep digging and stagnation of water during monsoon, thus making them unusable. However, he said that these things are being taken up with the appropriate authorities for early solution. 

He requested the media persons to work closely with Railways in creating awareness among road users to safety use both manned and unmanned level crossings.

Shri V. Thavamani Pandi, Addl. Divisional Railway Manager, Shri P. Balachandran, Sr. Divisional Safety Officer, and Shri K.P. Damodharan, Sr. Divisional Commercial Manager, of Salem Division were present during the Press Meet.