November 25, 2001

        Indian Railways is considering installation of User Operated Hydraulic Gates at unmanned level crossings across the Zonal Railways. Such a device, installed at Gari Harsaru in Gurgaon District of Haryana, was inspected by the Railway Minister, Shri Nitish Kumar at the Delhi-Rewari section of the Northern Railway today. The Member (Traffic), Shri R.K. Thoopal, the Member (Mechanical), Shri S. Dhasarathy and other senior officers accompanied the Minister.

        Later, interacting with media persons, Shri Nitish Kumar said that, initially, these new gates will be installed at different locations on an experimental basis. Later, gauging the response of the people and its effectiveness, the device will be used extensively. He added that one such gate costs around Rs. 1.25 lakhs for installation as compared to the cost of over Rs. 10 lakhs for the installation of a manned level crossing. The user-operated gate can be effective, particularly where the density of traffic is comparatively less.

        The new device, developed by South Eastern Railway is user-friendly, easy to install and very light that even a child can operate it. To operate the gate, a person wishing to pass through the level crossing, has to stop near the boom of the gate and look for any approaching train. After ensuring that no train is approaching, he can lift the boom and take his vehicle across. After reaching the other end, he should lift the boom of the other gate. It is very important that one should be very alert and must make it sure that the vehicle is not blocking the railway track when it is stopped between the two gates to lift the boom at the other end.