Limited height subways to eliminate level crossings on railway mainline
   Date :04-Nov-2019
 
 
Staff Reporter :
 
Indian Railways is aggressively pushing eliminating level crossing on the mainline to achieve its goal of having seamless movement of the trains. For the same, Railways is going for mass construction of limited height subways (LHS) as an alternative mode for road transport. At Central Railway along side construction of new lines, LHS work is being taken up simultaneously as per the new guidelines from Railway Board. In a major policy shift, Railway Board made it mandatory that no new level crossings be permitted on proposed new lines and instead opt for LHS. In fact it is now made mandatory for Zones to include LHS while submitting proposals for the new lines.
 
This way the existing manned gates would also be eliminated as Railways otherwise have targeted elimination of Gateman cadre by using technology to the hilt. The same issue was discussed during annual conference of Chief Mechanical Engineers (CMEs) held sometimes back. At Central Railways’ Nagpur Division for third line on Sewagram-Ballarshah section five places are identified for having LHS through pushing/sliding method. LHS is the best option that has advantages for road users as it eliminates need for wasting fuel and time waiting for trains to pass and then crossover.
 
It also results in savings on fuel that is wasted while waiting for trains to pass through at level crossing gates. For Railways, it is most ideal situation as apart from savings cost of manpower the speed of trains too is increased in the section. For every level crossing three persons have to be deployed for manning the gates, not to mention other expenses of level hut and other items. Similarly with no botheration of any trespassing, trains speed can be safely increased to its maximum ensuring faster movement. Also it betters turn around time of wagons and passenger trains thereby helping better utilisation of resources. More important LHS ensures better safety ratio as a manned gate is always a risk. Even in future if there is an increase in number of vehicles the LHS mostly at small villages can cater to same without much need for any upgradation.
 
On the Sewagram-Ballarshah route the LHS using RCC box of 5.5x4.5 meters are proposed between Warora-Majri, Majri-Bhandak, Hinganghat-Yenor, Nagri-Chikni. Most of these manned crossings cater to very small villages and their elimination by construction of LHS just around the existing crossing would provide much better relief to villager, said the divisional spokesman. He said it is stated Railway policy to ensure that people do not suffer because of closure till alternate arrangement is put in place. Wardha-Badnera: Another route targeted for removal of manned gates is Wardha-Badnera line where third line is proposed in near future for catering to increased traffic.
 
The utilisation of this route stands at over 150 per cent of its capacity as it is used on large scale for movement of coal to power houses. Hence Railway Board has before hand directed Central Railway to target removal of manned level crossings. On this route five places are identified as they are two on Dhamangaon-Talni section, at Timtala Yard (near Badnera), and other two between Dipore-Dhamangaon section. A major advantage with elimination of crossing is elimination of a signal thereby ensuring constant speed for movement of trains across the section. The manned gates are classified as A, B, C, D and E category depending upon movement of vehicles criss-crossing on road. The pushing method of construction for placing the RCC box underneath the tracks ensures minimal disruption to train traffic. Also the work is completed at faster pace giving immediate relief from tension of manning the gates, added the divisional spokesman.