Increasing incidents of attacks on gatekeepers at railway level crossings in the State have hampered smooth rail operations and raised concern among the railway authorities and security agencies.
The gatekeepers at the 373 level crossings in Thiruvananthapuram and 139 in Palakkad railway divisions have of late become the target of irate road users. Over 30 per cent of the gatekeepers are women.
Two recent incidents in the Thiruvananthapuram rail division have triggered a sense of insecurity among gatekeepers, especially women.
On March 13, two motorcyclists asked the gatekeeper to open the gate between Aralvaymoli and North Panakudi when it was closed at 7.30 p.m. for the 17236 Nagercoil- Bangalore express. Gatekeeper R. Jhancy, who refused to open the gate, was assaulted. A person who came to her rescue was also beaten up.
On February 6, a gatekeeper who noted down the number of a motorcycle ridden by two persons who hurled stones at the Alappuzha-Kannur Intercity express was assaulted. The incident took place between Alappuzha and Mararikkulam.
Aggressive behaviour
Aggressive behaviour by motorists include rude gesture, verbal insults, deliberately driving in an unsafe or threatening manner, or making threats. The gate closing time varies from 3 minutes to 15 minutes, whereas the actual time taken by a train to cross varies from 20 seconds to 1 minute 30 seconds.
Hesitant to stop
Gatekeepers say pedestrians and cyclists are hesitant to stop at the crossing when the gates are closed. They often stay 2 metres away from the track when the train moves along. Two-wheelers also sneak in through the closed gate.
Four-wheeler drivers halt the vehicle and occupy the full carriageway creating confusion and a chaotic situation when the gate is reopened.
The advice given to road users is never followed as the majority feel we are blocking the traffic, say gatekeepers.
Sharing their concern, Divisional Railway Manager Sunil Bajpai said, “Ït is impractical for the Railways to post security personnel for ensuring the safety of the gatekeepers.”
Vigil stepped up
Mr. Bajpai sad the Railway Protection Force and the Government Railway Police have stepped up vigil and will take stern action against those indulging in violence.
Railways have decided to take up the issue at the highest level of the State Police in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and to create awareness among road users.
