Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Eastern Railway Installs Automated Safety System After Level Crossing Deaths
A train crossing accident in West Bengal killed four children and a cyclist on July 17.
The accident happened after a school vehicle entered the path of a train.
Eastern Railway has now installed a new safety system at three nearby railway crossings.
The system lets a station master see whether a crossing gate is closed.
The station master can check this before allowing a train to pass.
It also uses sensors to detect approaching and departing trains.
Railway staff will still need to follow existing safety rules and check equipment.
Officials say the technology should improve communication and reduce mistakes.
The system may eventually be installed at more crossings.
Eastern Railway commissioned the NILC Auto PN System at three level crossings in West Bengal.
The upgrade follows a July 17 accident that killed four children and a cyclist.
The system lets station masters monitor crossing gates and confirm they are closed before clearing trains.
Features include boom-and-lever locking checks, physical authentication, LiDAR detection, and real-time status updates.
Eastern Railway said the system will gradually be introduced at other non-interlocked level crossings.
- Who
- Eastern Railway, led during the review by General Manager Gitika Pandey, installed the system; railway station masters and gatemen will operate it.
- What
- The NILC Auto PN System was commissioned at three non-interlocked level crossings.
- When
- The commissioning took place on Wednesday; it followed an accident on July 17.
- Where
- At level crossings between Karnasubarna and Khagraghat Road stations in West Bengal.
- Why
- The system was introduced after a crossing accident killed five people and following the Ministry of Railways’ request for remedial safety measures.
- System
- Non-Interlocked Level Crossing Auto PN System
- Installations
- Three level crossing gates between Karnasubarna and Khagraghat Road stations
- Earlier accident
- A July 17 collision killed four children and a cyclist
- Monitoring function
- Station masters can monitor gate status in real time and confirm closure before clearing trains
- Safety features
- Boom and lever locking verification, RKT-based physical authentication, LiDAR detection, and real-time status indication
- Additional safeguard
- The system supplements prescribed procedures, communication protocols, and physical verification
- Future rollout
- Eastern Railway plans to gradually introduce it at other non-interlocked level crossings