Level crossing gate open during Murshidabad collision, railways says

The question asked the Ministry of Railways to provide details on the increase in level crossing accidents, specifically regarding a recent incident in Murshidabad district where a train collided with a vehicle, and to address concerns about gate safety. The Ministry of Railways responded with a statement on safety measures and accident statistics.

Asked and answered by: Asked by: Shri Selvaganapathi T.M.; Answered by: Ministry of Railways (Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw).

What the government said

• Consequential train accidents reduced from 135 in 2014-15 to 16 in 2025-26 (88% decrease).
• Consequential Accident Index reduced from 0.11 in 2014-15 to 0.01 in 2025-26 (91% decrease).
• 3 consequential train accidents occurred on manned level crossing gates in the last 3 years and current year (up to 30.07.2026).
• Safety expenditure increased from Rs. 39,200 Cr in 2013-14 to Rs. 1,20,389 Cr in 2026-27.
• Interlocking of Level Crossing Gates provided at 10,395 gates up to 30.06.2026.
• All unmanned level crossings on Broad Gauge routes eliminated by January 2019.
• Kavach (Automatic Train Protection) Version 4.0 commissioned on 2,633 Route Kilometres as on 31.07.2026.
• Funds utilized on Kavach works up to June 2026 are Rs. 3,875 Crore.
• The Murshidabad incident involved a Tata Sumo school van colliding with train 53054 at Manned Level Crossing gate no 24 A/2 on 17.07.2026.
• At the time of the collision, the level crossing gate was in an open condition, although it was supposed to be closed.

Also in the document

• The answer states that while the gate was supposed to be closed during the train's passage, it was in an open condition at the time of the collision.
• The answer notes that a previous train (13431 UP Nabadwip Express) passed the same level crossing two minutes earlier with the gate in a closed condition.
• The document text is truncated and does not provide the final details of the Murshidabad incident or the specific response to part (d) regarding the 'firm solution' for gate dashing, other than the general safety measures listed.