Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, June 14: The Palakkad Division of Southern Railway has taken a stringent view of repeated violations at railway level crossing gates and has initiated strict punitive action against offenders.

The railway authorities said negligence by road users has led to a worrying rise in accidents at level crossings. A total of 79 level crossing gate accidents were reported during 2025 and 2026, including 55 cases in 2025 and 24 cases in 2026.

Officials stated that in most of the incidents, motorists attempted to cross railway tracks despite warning signals or when gates were closed. Such reckless behaviour, they said, not only endangered the lives of road users but also posed a serious threat to the safety of railway operations.

In view of these repeated violations, the competent authority has suspended the driving licences of six drivers for a period of three months. Several other cases are currently under various stages of inquiry and disciplinary proceedings.

The division further informed that during the financial year 2025–26, a total of Rs 17,27,659 has been recovered from offenders who caused damage to railway property by colliding with level crossing gates.

It also confirmed that criminal proceedings have been initiated against all those found guilty in such incidents, according to a statement issued by the Palakkad Division of Southern Railway.