Railway says ‘no’ to future level crossings

Rajmi MANATUNGA

COLOMBO: In the wake of continuous accidents at railway level crossings, the Railways Department has decided not to permit any more level crossings on the island’s rail network.

The decision was made in pursuant to the recommendations of the Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to look into the matter, Railways General Manager Dr. Lalithasiri Gunaruwan said.

He also said that 10 new security systems will be installed at identified places to protect existing level crossings while converting crossings with the ‘bell and light’ system to more advanced safety methods like electricity-powered barriers.

“We have also launched a pilot project to fix concave mirrors on either side of level crossings in collaboration with the private sector. The ‘mirror system’, introduced at the Avarihenawatta and Ruhunukalamawatha crossings has proved to be successful. We invite interested parties to offer financial assistance for the project,” he said.

According to the GMR, the number of level crossings along Sri Lanka’s rail network is nearly 700, many of them constructed without any sanction from railways authorities.

He said these crossings which are largely found on the Kelani Valley line has imposed an additional burden on the Railways Department whose responsibility was to ensure the safety of railway commuters and not road vehicles and pedestrians.

“In other countries, level crossings are not considered the solution for traversing the railway line. Instead, overhead bridges and underground tunnels are used,” he pointed out.