Chennai: A level-crossing that once took a gatekeeper up to three minutes to open or close can now be cleared in about eight to 12 seconds as Chennai Division of Southern Railway steps up the replacement of manual barriers with electrically operated systems. Of the 143 manned level crossings in the division, 70 have been converted to electrically operated lifting barriers (EOLBs).The conversion is aimed at reducing the time road users wait at crossings and preventing vehicles from attempting to pass through barriers while they are being operated manually. Each EOLB unit costs about ₹30 lakh.Chennai Beach-Chengalpet section has achieved complete coverage, with all 13 manned level crossings such as Chromepet, Pallavaram, Perungalathur and Singaperumal Koil fitted with EOLBs. On Chengalpet-Arakkonam section, 19 of 31 crossings have been converted, while 11 of 29 crossings on Chennai Central-Gudur section have been covered.On other routes, eight of 10 crossings between Chennai Central and Arakkonam have also been upgraded, along with seven of nine between Arakkonam and Katpadi and six of 14 between Arakkonam and Renigunta. Three of eight crossings on Katpadi-Villupuram section and three of 29 on Chengalpet-Villupuram section have also been converted.The remaining crossings will be taken up in phases based on road and rail traffic volumes. Officials also said the faster operation also reduces the scope for road vehicles to damage barriers or cross before they are fully closed. Manual barriers are operated by gatekeepers using hand-cranked winches.As an additional safety measure, Southern Railway has also installed Emergency Sliding Booms at 133 of the 143 crossings. These can be manually deployed if the main barrier is damaged, allowing the crossing’s interlocking system to remain functional while repairs are carried out.As an additional safety measure, Southern Railway has also installed Emergency Sliding Booms at 133 of the 143 crossings. These can be manually deployed if the main barrier is damaged, allowing the crossing’s interlocking system to remain functional while repairs are carried out.
