The Tinsukia division of Northeast Frontier Railway launched a safety awareness campaign on Tuesday to mark the 18th International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD). Divisional Railway Manager Parag Katre flagged off a rally from the DRM Office Complex in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh.
Global Initiative for Level Crossing Safety
ILCAD is a global initiative led by the International Union of Railways (UIC) with support from the international railway community. Its aim is to improve safety at level crossings worldwide. This year marks the 18th edition, with the global launch conference held at UIC headquarters in Paris, France. Since its inception in 2009, ILCAD has expanded to over 40 countries, bringing together railway authorities, road agencies, and academics to reduce accidents at level crossings.
Campaign Activities in Tinsukia
The campaign in Tinsukia aims to raise awareness among road users and the public about safe practices at level crossings and the importance of following safety rules. Railway personnel fanned out across the division, carrying the message to level crossings, stations, and public spaces. Safety pamphlets were distributed, and messages were broadcast through public address systems at stations and level crossing gates.
Railway officials emphasized that human error and disregard for warning signals remain the leading causes of accidents at such crossings, underscoring the need for sustained public awareness alongside physical safety measures. Parag Katre stated, "Level crossings are among the most critical points of interface between road and rail traffic. A moment of carelessness can have irreversible consequences. This campaign is our effort to remind the public that safety at level crossings is a shared responsibility."
Safety Advice for Road Users
As part of such campaigns, road users are advised not to cross closed gates, to look both ways before crossing, and to follow traffic rules. The campaign also included the distribution of safety pamphlets and public address announcements to reinforce these messages.
Officials from the Tinsukia division of Northeast Frontier Railway spread awareness among residents, highlighting the importance of vigilance and adherence to safety protocols at level crossings.
