BR to modernise 672 level crossing gates
BSS
Bangladesh Railway would modernise 672 level crossing gates in its eastern and western regions aimed at ensuring safe and uninterrupted traffic in both road and rail communication, reports BSS.
To this end, the BR has formulated two separate development projects for the two regions, which also planned to reduce the number of accidents and casualties.
Both the projects would be tabled before the meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), scheduled to sit this morning for final approval, said an official of planning ministry.
The main aims of the projects are modernisation of a total of 672 level crossing gates along with appointment of gatekeepers and installation of signaling systems on highway level crossings to enhance the sectional capacity to reduce travel duration as well as ensure safe and uninterrupted traffic both in road and railway communication.
According to the Development Project Proforma (DPP) of BR Eastern
Region Level Crossing Gates Rehabilitation and Up-gradation, there are a total of 1245 level crossing gates, of which 434 gates are approved while 811 gates are unauthorised. Most of the gates have no gatekeeper and necessary infrastructure, resulting in frequent accident taking place there.
Considering the aspects, gatekeepers would be appointed for 346 gates (authorised 189, unauthorised 157) along with carrying out necessary up-gradation to avert accident.
Besides, the DPP of BR Western Region has a total of 1249 level crossing gates, of which 978 gates are authorised while the remaining is unauthorised. On the basis of priority, gatekeepers would be appointed for 326 gates (authorised 273, unauthorised 53) with the necessary modernisation.
Under the two projects, a total of 1889 gatekeepers (eastern region 1038, western region 851) would be appointed through outsourcing.
