Solapur Division of Central Railway Observes International Level Crossing Awareness Day with Extensive Safety Outreach Campaign
· Free Press Journal
The Solapur Division of Central Railway observed International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) 2026 on 9th June 2026 through a series of extensive awareness programmes and outreach activities across the division including Solapur-Wadi, Solapur-Daund, Kurduvadi-Latur, Kurduvadi-Miraj sections. The campaign aimed to educate road users, railway staff and local communities about safe practices at level crossings and the importance of accident prevention.
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As part of the division-wide ILCAD 2026 campaign, Solapur Division carried out an extensive range of safety outreach activities, including:
Counselling of 5,217 road users on safe practices at level crossings.
Counselling of 201 gatemen and railway staff to reinforce safety procedures and operational vigilance.
Inspection of 26 level crossing gates to ensure adherence to safety standards and identify areas for improvement.
Conducting 15 online safety meetings and seminars to spread awareness among railway employees and stakeholders.
Organising four Nukkad Natak performances at Solapur Station (two programmes) and LC Gate No. 61 (two programmes) to effectively communicate safety messages to the public.
Distribution of 6,500 safety pamphlets across 26 level crossing gates and railway stations in the division. The distribution drive was undertaken by railway officers, Station Masters, Traffic Inspectors, Permanent Way Inspectors, Signal Supervisors and the Divisional Safety Team.
During the awareness programmes, the public was advised to always stop, look and listen before crossing railway tracks, never cross when gates are closed or in the process of closing, avoid distractions such as mobile phones and earphones, follow instructions of gatekeepers, and refrain from stopping vehicles on railway tracks. Special emphasis was placed on exercising caution while operating overloaded and high-profile vehicles in electrified railway sections and maintaining a safe distance from OHE installations.
Major Safety Awareness Programme at Level Crossing Gate No. 61
As part of the observance, a major safety awareness programme was organised at Level Crossing Gate No. 61 near Tilati by the Divisional Safety Team. The event witnessed active participation from railway officials, local community leaders, educational institutions and road users. A key highlight of the programme was the staging of a Nukkad Natak (street play), jointly conducted by the Divisional Safety Team and members of the Divisional Cultural Academy. The engaging performance effectively conveyed important safety messages and encouraged responsible behaviour while crossing railway tracks. Special awareness sessions were also conducted on the hazards associated with 25 kV Overhead Equipment (OHE). Truck drivers, heavy vehicle operators and railway staff were educated about maintaining a minimum safe distance of two metres from live electrical equipment and the dangers of unauthorised contact with overhead wires.
Adding strength to the awareness drive, the local Village Sarpanch and the Head of the School addressed participants and highlighted the vital role of community involvement in ensuring safety at level crossings. During the programme, approximately 880 road users were directly counselled on level crossing safety, provisions of the Railway Act and preventive measures to avoid accidents. Pamphlets and awareness leaflets were distributed among road users, explaining the correct procedures for crossing railway tracks and emphasising the need for vigilance. The programme concluded with all participants taking a pledge to strictly follow level crossing safety rules and to promote safe railway practices within their communities.
The campaign was organised by the Safety Department and saw participation from the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), branch officers and railway staff. The Solapur Division of Central Railway continues to prioritise safety as its foremost objective and remains committed to strengthening public awareness through regular outreach initiatives.