According to railway sources, the gateman was unaware of the approaching categorical prepare as a telecommunication failure had disrupted contact between him and the Station Master of the railway station from the place the prepare departed.
The incident occurred round 10 p.m. between the Polur and Mathimangalam railway stations within the Tiruchi Division of Southern Railway. Eyewitnesses stated the prepare was repeatedly sounding the horn whereas nearing the open degree crossing, prompting street customers to confront the gateman alleging dereliction of obligation. The gate was subsequently closed and the prepare crossed safely, sources stated.
Communication failure
A senior railway official instructed The Hindu on Saturday {that a} telecommunication failure led to the incident. “As the gateman couldn’t be reached, the locopilot was given a warning order authorising him to proceed at a restricted pace in the direction of the gate. Being an interlocked degree crossing, the sign turned to ‘hazard’. Upon seeing the prepare, the gateman adopted the usual process and locked the gate permitting the prepare to go,” he stated.
The official stated there was no violation of security tips and an inquiry into the incident had been ordered. “The telecommunication failure solely affected prepare punctuality,” he stated, requesting to not be quoted.
In the wake of latest accidents at degree crossing gates throughout varied zones, together with a tragic collision close to the Alapakkam railway station that claimed the lives of three faculty college students, the Ministry of Railways has issued a contemporary security advisory aimed toward stopping comparable incidents.
The Railway Board, expressing critical concern over recurring mishaps, has directed all zonal railways to make sure unobstructed visibility of each street site visitors and increase boundaries from the gate working panel to allow well timed and secure operations. “Gatemen should strictly be sure that no automobile is current between the increase boundaries earlier than initiating gate closure,” an advisory stated.
Monitor compliance
Describing the accidents as “unlucky” occasions, the Railway Board requested General Managers of zonal railways to strictly monitor compliance with security protocols and guarantee their implementation throughout the community.
The advisory requested senior officers to examine and make sure that every one street security units, resembling alerts/signage, hooters, and pace breakers, had been obtainable and in correct working situation to alert street customers. It must also be ensured that every one operation amenities required for secure gate operation and emergency dealing with, as specified within the Gate Working Rules (GWR), ought to be practical at each degree crossing.
The officers had been additionally instructed to conduct common counselling and coaching of gatemen, together with systematic inspections of degree crossing gates, for assessing their familiarity with each routine and emergency procedures.
Published – September 22, 2025 06:01 am IST
