Unplanned Level Crossings in Railways: Indian Railways is one of the safest and most economical modes of transport in India, but road-rail intersections have historically been a point of vulnerability. Among them, unplanned level crossings in railways, particularly unmanned ones, posed significant risks to both rail passengers and road users. Over the years, these crossings were a leading cause of accidents, fatalities, and service disruptions. Recognizing this, Indian Railways initiated a mission to eliminate all unmanned level crossings, which was achieved by 2019.
This article explores the concept, risks, elimination process, challenges, and long-term impacts of unmanned level crossing removal in India.
Understanding Level Crossings in Railways
A level crossing is an intersection where a railway line and a road meet at the same level. These are broadly classified into:
- Manned Level Crossings: Controlled by trained staff with gates/barriers to regulate road traffic when trains pass.
- Unmanned Level Crossings: No staff present; road users rely on signage or caution. These were the most vulnerable points.
Why Unplanned Crossings are Risky?
There are various reasons why unplanned crossings are risky, such as high chances of accidents, difficulties in ensuring safety, and more. Some of them are given below:
- High chances of accidents due to human error or negligence.
- Difficulties in ensuring safety in rural or remote areas.
- Heavy delays in train schedules due to safety restrictions.
- Pressure on local railway staff to manage a large traffic flow without manpower.
Scale of the Problem in India
At one point, Indian Railways had over 10,000 unmanned level crossings, many located in rural areas. These crossings were hotspots for accidents.
| Year | Unmanned Crossings (Approx.) | Accidents due to ULCs | Fatalities Reported |
| 2010 | 11,563 | 54 | 196 |
| 2015 | 8,948 | 42 | 162 |
| 2018 | 3,479 | 8 | 26 |
| 2019 | 0 (all eliminated) | 0 | 0 |
Methods of Eliminating Unmanned Level Crossings
Indian Railways adopted multiple strategies to eliminate unmanned crossings instead of a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Given below are some strategies:
1. Construction of Road Over Bridges (ROBs)
- Allows uninterrupted road and rail movement.
- Preferred in busy traffic areas.
- Cost-intensive but permanent solution.
2. Road Under Bridges (RUBs) or Subways
- Cheaper alternative to ROBs.
- Effective for moderate road traffic.
- Reduces delays for both rail and road users.
3. Diversion of Roads
- Roads are diverted to nearby manned crossings.
- Low-cost solution, but sometimes inconvenient for locals.
4. Manning of Crossings
- Until permanent elimination, crossings were temporarily manned.
- Reduced accident risks significantly.
5. Closure of Crossings
- In cases where crossings had very little road usage, they were closed.
Government Policies and Deadlines
The elimination of unplanned level crossings in railways became a top priority under Indian Railways’ safety modernization agenda.
- Vision 2020 (Railway White Paper): Called for a roadmap to eliminate all unmanned crossings.
- 2014–2019 Action Plan: Dedicated budgetary allocation and strict monitoring ensured progress.
- April 2019: Indian Railways declared all unmanned level crossings eliminated.
Challenges in Eliminating ULCs
Despite the success, the journey was not easy. Major challenges faced are as follows:
- Financial Constraints: Construction of ROBs and RUBs required huge investments.
- Land Acquisition Issues: Legal and local resistance delayed several projects.
- Geographical Barriers: Hilly and flood-prone regions posed engineering difficulties.
- Coordination with States: Since roads come under state governments, joint funding and approvals slowed down progress.
- Public Resistance: Road diversions often led to dissatisfaction among local users.
Benefits of Eliminating Unmanned Crossings
The elimination of unplanned level crossings in railways has brought significant improvements. Some of them are:
- Enhanced Safety: Accidents and fatalities reduced to zero.
- Faster Train Operations: No need to impose speed restrictions near crossings.
- Passenger Confidence: Boosted trust in railway safety.
- Economic Benefits: Fewer disruptions mean better punctuality and reduced operating costs.
- Environmental Gains: Reduced idling time for road vehicles at crossings lowers fuel consumption.
| Region | Project | Impact |
| Northern Railway (Punjab & Haryana) | Replacement of 200+ ULCs with ROBs | Ensured year-round safety even during the monsoon. |
| Southern Railway (Kerala & Tamil Nadu) | Construction of RUBs in flood-prone areas | Ensured year-round safety even during monsoon. |
| Eastern Railway (West Bengal & Bihar) | Diversion and closure of low-use crossings | Reduced local accidents significantly. |
Role of Technology in Post-ULC Safety
Even after eliminating unmanned crossings, technology continues to improve level crossing safety. The major role of technology in post-ULC safety is as follows:
- Automatic Boom Barriers at manned crossings.
- GPS-based Warning Systems for approaching trains.
- Drone Surveillance for monitoring high-traffic rail-road intersections.
- AI & Data Analytics to predict accident-prone areas.
Future Priorities of Indian Railways
Although India has achieved the milestone of eliminating unmanned crossings, challenges in managing manned crossings remain. Out of nearly 19,000 manned level crossings, many need upgrades with automation and modern signaling. The future priorities include:
- Widespread use of smart barriers and sensor-based alarms.
- Complete replacement of manned crossings with ROBs and RUBs over time.
- Increased collaboration between Indian Railways, state governments, and private partners for funding.
- Public awareness campaigns on safety near level crossings.
The elimination of unplanned level crossings in railways marks a historic achievement in India’s transportation safety journey. What was once the single largest contributor to rail-related accidents has now been completely eradicated. While the focus now shifts to upgrading manned crossings and further modernizing railroad interfaces, this success story reflects the commitment of Indian Railways toward passenger safety, efficiency, and modernization.
FAQs
Over the years, the unplanned level crossings were a leading cause of accidents, fatalities, and service disruptions.
There were 11,563 unmanned crossings in 2010.
Unplanned crossings are risky because:
High chances of accidents due to human error or negligence.
Difficulties in ensuring safety in rural or remote areas.
A level crossing is an intersection where a railway line and a road meet at the same level.
The future priorities of Indian Railways include:
Widespread use of smart barriers and sensor-based alarms.
Complete replacement of manned crossings with ROBs and RUBs over time.
Hello! This is Arijit Dutta. I am a skilled Content Writer at Oliveboard with nearly 3+ years of experience in crafting engaging, informative, and exam-focused content for the Railways Domain. With a strong command of language and a keen understanding of learner needs, I contribute significantly to Oliveboard’s mission of delivering high-quality educational resources. Passionate about clear communication and continuous learning, I consistently create content that helps government job aspirants achieve their goals. Outside of work, I enjoy playing cricket and listening to music, which helps me stay balanced and creative in my professional journey.