Palakkad Division observes International Level Crossing Day to enhance safety awareness at LC gates

Palakkad Division of Southern Railway observed the International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) on Tuesday, across the Division, including Mangaluru Railway region.

The day was marked by a series of focused initiatives designed to educate and sensitise the general public, motorists, and pedestrians on the critical importance of safe behaviour at level crossings.

Officials from Southern Railway’s Palakkad Division hold an awareness campaign to mark the International Level Crossing Awareness Day, at Jokatte Level Crossing in Mangaluru on Tuesday.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Divisional Railway Manager Madhukar Roat inaugurated the observance by flagging off an Awareness Walkathon from Palakkad Junction Railway Station. Benny Varghese, Senior Divisional Safety Officer and other officers were present.

The Division also organised a special awareness programme for elected and administrative representatives of local bodies, including Panchayats, Municipalities and offices of the State government, recognising the vital role of grass-roots institutions in disseminating safety awareness within their communities.

ILCAD is a globally observed initiative dedicated to reducing accidents and fatalities at level crossings (LCs) by fostering public awareness of the inherent risks and the precautions necessary to mitigate them. As part of this year’s observance, the Palakkad Division conducted informative sessions and distributed educational materials among the public to instil responsible and safety-conscious practices.

Officials from Southern Railway’s Palakkad Division hold an awareness campaign to mark the International Level Crossing Awareness Day, at Pandeshwara Level Crossing in Mangaluru on Tuesday.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

LCs in Palakkad Division are fully interlocked and manned. However, the railway administration emphasises that a truly accident-free level crossing environment can only be realised through the collective alertness and responsible conduct of road users.

Don’ts at LC gates

Some of the don’ts issued by the Railways include, crossing the track at a closed LC gate before the passage of a train; crossing the track when a red flag, red light, or Stop Board is displayed; attempting to pass the LC gate with a vehicle when the bell or hooter sounds, or when the gatekeeper begins lowering the lifting barriers; touching any broken or hanging overhead electric wire under any circumstances and carrying long poles or metallic objects in the vicinity of overhead electric lines.

Persons violating these restrictions prescribed under Sections 160/161 of the Railways Act would be liable for imprisonment up to three years under Section 131 of the Motor Vehicles Act. One who dashes a vehicle against an LC gate or attempts to cross a closed gate could be imprisoned up to five years with suspension of driving licence, while one who misbehaves with a gatekeeper could be imprisoned up to two years.