ANDALIB AKHTER / NEW DELHI
Following tragic incident at rail track in UP in which 13 children were killed, Railways Minister Piyush Goyal today reviewed the plan to completely eliminate Unmanned Level Crossings (UMLC) from Indian Railways. He said, railways has taken many steps towards reducing accidents at UMLCs with 79 per cent reduction in accidents in the last four years.
The target for eliminating UMLCs in 11 zones will be September this year and for the remaining five zones targets will be set shortly. Mr Goyal reiterated the aim of Safety first for Indian railways.
“A multipronged strategy has been planned to eliminate the remaining Unmanned Level Crossings which will include manning of UMLCs, construction of Railway Under Bridges, Railway Over Bridges and diversion” said an official statement.
The Ministry said, a detailed review was done with the General manager of five critical zones with significant number of UMLCs. The progress of elimination of Unmanned Level Crossings will also be shared transparently online through a website to increase accountability and public monitoring.