OREANDA-NEWS. June 08, 2011. Every year, International Union of Railways (UIC) observes one day as the International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD). This year, 9th June is being observed as ILCAD. Indian Railways has decided to participate in this global campaign to sensitize road users to increase safety at unmanned level crossings. The ILCAD focuses on educational measures and the promotion of safe behaviour at and around level crossings. It is built on existing national events which will be held jointly at various locations in every participating country on June 9th, 2011.

 The number of unmanned level crossing accidents occurring on Indian Railways is a cause of concern. At present, there are total 32694 numbers of level crossings over Indian Railways out of which 14853 are unmanned where the accidents occur primarily due to inadequate precautions by the road users failing to observe mandatory sign boards, signals and basic traffic safety rules. Over the last five years, the train accidents at unmanned level crossings remained at low level.

 Indian Railways carry out intensive social awareness campaigns, on a regular basis, to educate road users. This includes publicity campaigns through various media like newspapers, TV, Radio etc., distribution of posters, leaflets, various short duration films/advertisements etc. Even in local languages have been prepared by the Zonal Railways for educating the road users about the precautions to be taken while negotiating the unmanned level crossings. There is a need to educate people at Village Panchayats, schools, weekly markets in rural areas and also carry out ambush checks at unmanned level crossings.

 To enhance the safety and reduce inconvenience to road users, busy level crossings are being replaced by Road Over Bridges (ROB)/ Road Under Bridges (RUB) and Limited Height Sub Ways (LHS) gradually. In the year 2010-11, 641 ROB/RUB/LHS have been constructed under various schemes.