Accidents at unmanned level crossing claims 126 lives in 2015

New Delhi: A total of 126 deaths due to negligence of road users at unmanned level crossing have been reported this year till February.

While 98 people were killed in 2013-14, loss of lives in train accidents at unmanned level crossings was 124 in 2012-13, Minister of State for Railway Manoj Singh said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on Friday.

In 2011-12, the number of casualty at unmanned level crossing was 204.

There were 45 train accidents due to negligence of road vehicle users at unmanned level crossing this year, till February.

Railways witnessed 53 train accidents in 2012-13 and 47 accidents in 2013-14.

Sinha said a series of steps have been taken to prevent accidents at unmanned level crossings which include closing of many crossings and also construction of rail over-bridge and rail under-bridge to eliminate such crossings which cannot be closed down.

He said deployment of Gate Mitra/Gate Counsellors at unmanned level crossings have also been deployed at certain places.

Social awareness campaign to educate road users has also been launched.

Railways paid a total amount of Rs 6,29,938 till February this year as compensation for death and injury in accidents at unmanned level crossings. In 2013-14, the amount was Rs 15,15,344.