There are as many as 246 unmanned level crossings in Jharkhand. Union Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha informed MP Parimal Nathwani in the Rajya Sabha in response to a question asked by him regarding the status of unmanned level crossings and number of deaths taken place in the last three years on these crossings.
According to the date provided by the Railway Ministry, the number of causalities on South Eastern Railways during the last three years was ten and six accidents have taken place in these years. The ministry however, does not maintain state wise record of human deaths on unmanned level crossings.
In a statement tabled in the House, the Minister also informed that two railway bridges were completed in the state, both of which are Road over Bridges. He also informed that as many as 34 Railway Over Bridges and 78 Railway under Bridges are under construction in the State.
According to the Minister, in order to avoid accidents in unmanned level crossings in the state, a decision has been taken by the Railways to progressively eliminate all unmanned level crossings by various means such as closure, merger, provision of subways, Road Over Bridges, Road Under Bridges and manning. The onus for safe movement from unmanned level crossing however, is entirely on road users for which stringent provisions are laid in Sec.131 of Motor Vehicles Act and Sec.161 of Railways Act, the Minister added.