(a) whether the large number of train accidents occured at level crossings due to lack of awareness among public;
(b) if so, whether the Government is taking any measures for creating awareness among public in this regard; and
(c) if so, the measures taken/being taken by the Government in this regard alongwith funds earmarked for the purpose during the current year ?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS ( SHRI R.VELU)
(a) to (c): A statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4380 BY SHRI NARAYAN CHANDRA BORKATAKY TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 22-12-2005 REGARDING AWARENESS ABOUT LEVEL CROSSINGS.
(a) There had been 96 accidents at level crossings during 2002-03, which came down to 95 in 2003-04 and 70 (provisional) during 2004-05. Majority of these accidents took place at unmanned level crossings on account of failure of road users for not following the provisions of Section 131 of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
(b) Yes, Sir.
(c) Some of the measures taken/being taken by the Government in this regard are as follows:
(i) To educate road users about safe practices to be followed by them at level crossings, publicity campaigns are periodically launched through different media like quickies on TV, cinema slides, posters, radio, newspaper and street play etc.
(ii) Involvement of village Panchayats is also organized in railways` public awareness programmes.
(iii) Safety posters and pamphlets etc. are progressively displayed / distributed at level crossings, village Panchayat Offices, petrol pumps etc.
(iv) Joint Ambush Checks with civil authorities are conducted to nab errant road vehicle drivers under the provisions of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Railways Act, 1989.
Railways have been undertaking publicity campaigns for creating awareness about various aspects of railway working, including safety measures at railway level crossings, through print and electronic media. No separate budget is earmarked only for the safety measures.