Reality check: Several railway crossings in Bengaluru lack basic safety measures

The recent incident of a BMTC bus struck by a train while trying to reverse on a railway track in Sadaramangala near Kadugodi, brought to light some of the shortcomings at railway crossings across the city.

A major tragedy was averted in the said accident as there were no passengers in the bus. The conductor sustained some injuries. However, the railway crossing remains amongst the most hazardous ones in the city. 

A reality check by DH at a few railway crossing reveals lack of basic facilities that are mandated at all such crossings. 

This crossing, located near the Sadaramangla village, lacks essential safety measures, including security personnel, signals, and gates. It is a common practice among the villagers to cross the railway tracks on foot in order to save time. The crossing also sees mild to heavy vehicular traffic throughout the day. 

Despite several complaints, the crossing has remained in the same condition, said locals. “When we are crossing the road, it’s crucial to know when the train is coming. We can only hear the sound of the train and its honking. But sometimes, we are too afraid to let our children go outside because they have no way of knowing when the train is approaching,” said Chitra M, a resident of the village. With no proper barricades in place, the crossing provides easy access to children and animals. 

At most crossings, the situation remains the same. In Hoodi, a crossing is located amidst a heavily populated area, posing a significant threat to both pedestrians and vehicle users.  The crossing lacks basic safety measures such as a security guard, signals, and barricades, and has led to multiple accidents in the past. 

Following a recent accident, authorities temporarily closed the crossing to vehicles, allowing only pedestrians to cross. Mubarak, a resident, shared his concerns. “This is the worst crossing I have ever seen. The need for a security guard, gates, and signals is critical. Only with these can we prevent accidents.” He also pointed out that the lack of alternative routes forces people to depend on the crossing.

While the railway crossing in Kodigehalli has a functioning signalling system, barricades are missing, leaving pedestrians and vehicles vulnerable to accidents. 

Traffic chaos 

The crossings in Shampura have barricades. But the main railway crossing has become notorious for traffic jams due to poor management. 

“This crossing acts as an access route for the people in Sultanpalya and surrounding areas and hence there is heavy traffic throughout the day. With there being no railway security or traffic personnel on the ground, a major fight breaks out at the crossing every day. People also try to pass through the barricades,” said Abdul Majeed, a Shampura resident. 

The railway crossing in Kodigehalli has a functioning signalling system. But barricades are missing leaving pedestrians and vehicles vulnerable to accidents. DH photo/Abhinaya M

The situation remains the same at the crossing at Nagashettyhalli near Hebbal. Vehicles moving through narrow streets get stuck at crossing, as the path continues to narrow down, unable to accommodate the growing number of vehicles. 

Ongoing construction near the crossing in Yelahanka is adding to the traffic congestion. Additionally, it has also led to locals having to jump over the construction waste to get to the other side of the crossing.

Railway crossings cause traffic congestion every time the they are closed. The railway department is working on converting these railway crossings to ROBs and RUBs. But apart from this, we have also identified 28 ROBs and RUBs that need widening

Karthik Reddy,  Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic)

128 railway crossings

As per the data provided by the South Western Railways, there are currently 128 railway crossings in Bengaluru, spread across 100 km. The SWR has come up with a plan to eliminate all of them, and convert them into ROBs and RUBs.