The Railway Protection Force, Thiruvananthapuram Division, has decided to enforce strict measures to stop incidents of breaking rail barriers.
In the wake of an increase in cases of road vehicles passing or getting stuck in closed level crossings, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Thiruvananthapuram Division, has decided to enforce strict measures to stop such dangerous offenses that endanger the lives of road users, railway staff and thousands of train passengers.
The increasing number of such incidents has become a serious problem for the railways. A total of 104 level crossing incidents were reported in Thiruvananthapuram railway division during 2025 and 27 such incidents have been reported so far this year. To reduce the increasing number of such incidents, the RPF, Thiruvananthapuram Division, in coordination with all concerned departments, especially the Motor Vehicle Department, has intensified action against motorists violating safety rules at level crossings.
The state transport commissioner has issued a circular warning of strict action against drivers involved in crossing incidents at level crossings. The circular was issued following an intervention by the RPF, which sought to take strong action against offenders whose reckless behavior endangers railway operations and public safety. In accordance with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, the authorities were mandated to initiate the suspension of driving licenses of offenders based on a notification from the railway authorities.
Damages to recover
Drivers who ignore warning signs, try to cross crossings after the barriers are closed or force their way through the barriers will also face prosecution and recovery of damages to railway property, the railways said in a statement on Thursday.
Every gate crossing incident affects train operations and causes avoidable delays to trains carrying thousands of passengers a day. Following such incidents, trains are often delayed until railway personnel inspect the tracks, signaling systems, gates and other safety devices to ensure safe train movement. More importantly, such reckless actions can lead to major accidents, derailments, serious injuries and loss of life. An analysis of the incidents shows that most of the offenses are due to reckless driving, speeding near level crossings, impatience and attempts to cross after warning signals are given or gates are closed, the railways said.
Road users are advised to stop the vehicle immediately when warning signals sound or when the gate starts to close. Never attempt to cross a level crossing when the gate is closing or after it is closed. Similarly, vehicles should not be moved until the gate is fully opened.
Published – 07 May 2026 22:12 IST
