Bengaluru
The Bangalore Division of the South Western Railway has taken a proactive approach to alleviate the public nuisance caused by Railway Level Crossings (LC) in Bengaluru. With the goal of making the Bengaluru railway section free of LC gates by 2028, plans are underway to close 185 LC gates in the next four years. Responding to a series of reports highlighting the issues caused by railway level crossing gates, the Bangalore Railway Division has initiated the construction of flyovers and tunnels to phase out these gates. Divisional Additional Director Kusuma Hariprasad shared the commitment to removing these gates systematically, aiming to enhance traffic flow and reduce wait times. Motorists often faced significant delays at railway level crossings, with wait times ranging from 5 to 15 minutes, causing noise and air pollution. The railway department’s proactive steps aim to address these challenges and improve the overall commuting experience. The South Western Railway Bangalore Division encompasses 15 districts, including 3 in Andhra Pradesh and 2 in Tamil Nadu. Of the 389 level crossing gates in this section, 204 have been closed since 2012-13. The remaining 185 LC gates will be shut down gradually, culminating in a ‘level crossing’-free Bengaluru Railway Division by 2028. The immediate plan includes the removal of 14 LC gates in the city by the end of 2024, with ongoing work in certain areas. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared for closing 91 LC gates. Additionally, the Bangalore Railway Division takes pride in being the first railway division in the country to construct an unmanned LC gate, a significant stride in improving railway infrastructure and safety.
