An express train approached a level crossing gate that was open to road traffic near Katpadi on the night of September 17, 2025 and led to a heated exchange of words between the road users and the gateman.
According to railway sources, the gateman was unaware of the approaching express train as a telecommunication failure had disrupted contact between him and the Station Master of the railway station from where the train departed.
The incident occurred around 10 p.m. between the Polur and Mathimangalam railway stations in the Tiruchi Division of Southern Railway. Eyewitnesses said the train was continuously sounding the horn while nearing the open level crossing, prompting road users to confront the gateman alleging dereliction of duty. The gate was subsequently closed and the train crossed safely, sources said.
Communication failure
A senior railway official told The Hindu on Saturday that a telecommunication failure led to the incident. “As the gateman could not be reached, the locopilot was given a caution order authorising him to proceed at a restricted speed towards the gate. Being an interlocked level crossing, the signal turned to ‘danger’. Upon seeing the train, the gateman followed the standard procedure and locked the gate allowing the train to pass,” he said.
The official said there was no violation of safety guidelines and an inquiry into the incident had been ordered. “The telecommunication failure only affected train punctuality,” he said, requesting not to be quoted.
In the wake of recent accidents at level crossing gates across various zones, including a tragic collision near the Alapakkam railway station that claimed the lives of three school students, the Ministry of Railways has issued a fresh safety advisory aimed at preventing similar incidents.
The Railway Board, expressing serious concern over recurring mishaps, has directed all zonal railways to ensure unobstructed visibility of both road traffic and boom barriers from the gate operating panel to enable timely and safe operations. “Gatemen must strictly ensure that no vehicle is present between the boom barriers before initiating gate closure,” an advisory said.
Monitor compliance
Describing the accidents as “unfortunate” events, the Railway Board asked General Managers of zonal railways to strictly monitor compliance with safety protocols and ensure their implementation across the network.
The advisory asked senior officials to check and confirm that all road safety devices, such as signals/signage, hooters, and speed breakers, were available and in proper working condition to alert road users. It should also be ensured that all operation facilities required for safe gate operation and emergency handling, as specified in the Gate Working Rules (GWR), should be functional at every level crossing.
The officials were also told to conduct regular counselling and training of gatemen, along with systematic inspections of level crossing gates, for assessing their familiarity with both routine and emergency procedures.
Published – September 22, 2025 06:01 am IST
