Eastern Railway once again appeals to all road users to exercise extreme caution and strictly adhere to safety norms while approaching and crossing level crossing gates. In recent months, a good number of cases of safety violations at level crossings has been observed, including instances of road vehicles forcibly crossing or even damaging closed gates.
It has been observed that several road vehicles are indulging in reckless driving near level crossings, ignoring the closing signals of the gate booms, and in many cases, colliding with the gates. These dangerous actions not only pose a severe threat to the lives of the violators and others but also cause significant disruptions to both rail and road traffic. Damage to gate barriers and associated infrastructure delays train schedules and causes inconvenience to thousands of passengers.
*As per Section 160 of the Railways Act:*
If any person, other than a railway servant or a person authorised in this behalf, opens any gate or chain or barrier set up on either side of a level crossing which is closed to road traffic, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years.
If any person breaks any gate or chain or barrier set up on either side of a level crossing which is closed to road traffic, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years.
From April 2024 to March 2025, an alarming 505 cases were registered under Section 160(2) of the Railways Act for breaking or damaging level crossing gates. These incidents have led to the arrest of 413 persons for offences related to gate-breaking and reckless driving.
Eastern Railway reiterates that all road users must:
• Halt at a safe distance as soon as the level crossing gate begins to close.
• Keep their eyes and ears alert to approaching trains.
• Under no circumstances attempt to cross the tracks when the gate is closed or in the process of closing.
Public cooperation is crucial to ensure safety for all and to prevent unnecessary accidents and legal consequences. Eastern Railway time and again conducted campaigns to bring awareness among the road users regarding rules to be followed at Level Crossings. Eastern Railway strongly urges all to follow safety rules at level crossings — not just for legal compliance, but also for the safety of every life on the road and rail.
