Day after Tamil Nadu accident, Ashwini Vaishnaw directs CCTV system at all level crossings with recorders

A day after a tragic accident in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced urgent safety measures. A passenger train hit a school van at a level crossing, killing three children. The collision prompted strong public outrage and forced the Railways to act quickly.

Immediate Action by the Ministry

Minister Vaishnaw ordered the installation of CCTV cameras with recorders at all manned level crossings. These cameras will work with solar panels, UPS, and battery backups to ensure 24/7 surveillance. Officials will use the recordings for safety checks, investigations, and to monitor staff performance.

The Railways will fund this project using existing budgets. This means the ministry is prioritizing safety without waiting for additional funds.

What Went Wrong in Tamil Nadu

Initial reports suggest the level crossing gate was left open when it should have been shut. This mistake may have allowed the van onto the tracks. Investigators believe manual errors or lack of proper communication might have caused the tragedy. These failures highlight the need for automated safety systems.

Lower Threshold for Interlocking

Earlier, only crossings with 20,000 Train Vehicle Units (TVU) qualified for interlocking systems. These systems prevent a green signal for trains unless the gate is closed. The Railways has now reduced the TVU requirement to 10,000, meaning more crossings will get interlocking.

By halving the TVU limit, the Railways aims to expand safety coverage faster. This change will bring automated barriers to many more rural and semi-urban crossings.

Nationwide Safety Drive

The Railways will launch a 15-day inspection drive across the country. Officials will focus on non-interlocked crossings to identify and fix weak points. Every railway division must conduct random checks at two gates daily using voice loggers. These devices record conversations between gate staff and control rooms, helping supervisors spot lapses.

Better Signage and Road Features

The Railways also plans to standardize speed breakers and warning signs at all crossings. Inconsistent or poor signage often confuses drivers and causes accidents. With this plan, all crossings will have uniform and visible safety signs.

District officials and railway teams will coordinate to install these features quickly. This step will help drivers slow down and cross safely.

Security Personnel at Vulnerable Points

In areas where gate operators face public pressure to keep gates open, Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Home Guard personnel will be deployed. These guards will protect staff and ensure rules are followed. In the past, many accidents occurred when operators gave in to commuter demands during rush hours.

The ministry wants operators to act without fear and to prioritize safety over convenience.

A Push for Accountability

These new rules aim to build a culture of responsibility. CCTV footage will hold staff accountable. Voice logs will help track communication errors. Uniform signs and barriers will reduce confusion and delays.

Minister Vaishnaw stated, “Every life matters. Losing even one child is unacceptable. We will fix the system before it causes more damage.”

The Scale of the Problem

India has over 17,000 manned level crossings. Many still lack automation or interlocking. While the Railways has removed several unmanned crossings in recent years, manned but non-interlocked gates still pose serious risks.

This new safety plan focuses on upgrading existing infrastructure, not just building new routes. Experts believe this focus will save more lives in the short term.

Implementation and Oversight

Railway PSUs and regional divisions will lead the rollout. High-risk crossings with past incidents will get priority. Officials will track progress zone by zone and adjust strategies based on results.

The ministry expects improvements to appear within weeks, not months. The speed of implementation will test the system’s readiness and commitment.

Conclusion: A Needed Shift in Focus

The Tamil Nadu crash was a grim reminder of long-standing safety gaps. With these new reforms, the Railways is moving toward a proactive, tech-based safety culture. By cutting down human error, increasing surveillance, and adding protective systems, officials hope to avoid future tragedies.

The steps are practical, not symbolic. Cameras will record. Barriers will lock. Guards will protect. Communication will be tracked. If all goes as planned, fewer families will face the heartbreak that Tamil Nadu saw this week.