To prevent accidents at railway crossings across the country, the railway will now work in mission mode. In this direction, a workshop was held in New Delhi on Thursday where comprehensive instructions were issued to officials.
It was stated that in places where settlements are on one side of the railway track and fields, schools, cremation grounds, or other essential places are on the other, special types of railway footbridges (subways) will be constructed for the convenience of people.
The purpose of these footbridges is to provide safe and easy passage for the general public. Officials were instructed that the design of the footbridges should be such that people can use them without hesitation.
They will be constructed in such a way that people can easily come and go with bicycles, motorcycles, and other essential items. This initiative will prove to be life-saving for the country’s large population.
According to the railway’s plan, the structure of the footbridges will be pre-fabricated and later brought to the site for installation. During installation, a “block” will be taken on the railway track, within which the track will be cut and the footbridge fitted in just 12 hours, after which it will be opened for use.
It was also directed that the design of the footbridges should prevent problems like waterlogging. Furthermore, this arrangement should remain effective for a long time. Officials were told to ensure a permanent solution to this problem within the next 5-6 years.
This decision is the result of a multi-day consultation process with railway officials. It is believed that sensitive and practical solutions alone can provide a long-term fix to the problems of the common people.
