GUWAHATI, June 21 - The Lumding division of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has stepped up awareness activities regarding level-crossings. NFR�s Lumding division also covers Guwahati and nearby areas.
Officials said that the Lumding division of NFR is making an all-out effort to make its 260 level-crossings, both the manned and the unmanned ones, safer and less prone to accidents by undertaking safety drives regularly.
�The Lumding division spares no effort in ensuring smooth road surface and proper maintenance of level-crossing apparatus, including interlocking and signalling gears along with round-the-clock staffing by deputing trained and disciplined gatemen at the manned level-crossings and proper warning and indication boards at unmanned level-crossings. Gate mitras are being engaged to act as friendly guides to the road users at the unmanned level-crossings,� said an official.
Railway officials said that an approximate 40 per cent of train accidents and 66 per cent of fatalities in the Indian Railways occur at level-crossings across the country.
In order to skip these avoidable accidents, the Indian Railways has come up with a concept of �3Es� covering education, engineering and enforcement.
The Lumding division of NFR has also stepped up its enforcement drive against violators of safety norms at level-crossings as provided by the Railway Act 1989.
�Public awareness and education has been accorded primary focus. Pamphlets and hand bills are being distributed and safety awareness campaigns, road shows, nukkad natak and other activities for road users are being organised with the assistance of Bharat Scouts and Guides, NGOs, school students, police and various district administrations. SMS texts are also being sent to create awareness about safety aspects while crossing unmanned level-crossings,� said an official.
The Lumding division has called upon the public to observe some safety tips while passing manned and unmanned level-crossings. The people have been advised to stop their vehicles at an appropriate distance from the gate and not to hurry while crossing the level-crossing. They have also been asked to reduce speed of their vehicles at least 20 metres away from the level-crossing gate.
�Do not try to pass under the gate if it is closed. People should obey all rules and assist gatemen on duty. Non-adherence to rules is punishable under the Railway Act. Besides, while passing through unmanned level-crossings, people should ensure security of vehicles,� said the official.
