General Manager, Eastern Railway inspects technology-based safety augmentation at level crossing gate near Karnasubarna

In compliance with the directions of the Hon’ble Minister for Railways and as part of Eastern Railway’s continuing efforts to strengthen safety at level crossings, the NILC Auto PN (Private Number) System for real-time monitoring of Non-Interlocked Level Crossing (NILC) Gates was successfully commissioned at three level crossing gates in the Karnasubarna–Khagraghat Road block section of Howrah Division o­n September 23, 2026.

The system has been commissioned at Level Crossing Gate Nos. 24/A/2, 24/A/4 and 24/A/5, providing an additional technology-enabled layer of safety in the operation of these non-interlocked level crossing gates.

Ms. Gitika Pandey, General Manager, Eastern Railway, has been closely monitoring and expediting the provision of advanced safety systems at Non-Interlocked Level Crossing Gates. She inspected the level crossing gate near Karnasubarna to assess the functioning of the newly commissioned system and review the safety arrangements at site.

During the inspection, the General Manager reviewed the prescribed operating procedures at the level crossing gate and interacted with the Gateman to assess his knowledge of safety rules, gate-working procedures, emergency response protocols and maintenance of essential equipment. She emphasised strict adherence to laid-down safety procedures and alertness while performing safety-critical duties.

Ms. Gitika Pandey also inspected the interlocking panel at Karnasubarna station. She interacted with the Station Master o­n duty and reviewed the functioning of the signalling panel, operational procedures and safety provisions governing train operations.

The General Manager was accompanied by Shri Vishal Kapoor, Divisional Railway Manager, Howrah, along with senior officers from Eastern Railway Headquarters and Howrah Division.

The newly commissioned NILC Auto PN System enables the Station Master to monitor the status of the level crossing gate in real time and facilitates structured PN-based communication with the Gateman in accordance with prescribed operating procedures.

The system incorporates a number of technology-based safety features, including verification of boom and lever locking, RKT-based physical authentication, LiDAR-based train approach and departure detection, real-time status indication and an authenticated train-cancellation procedure.

Importantly, the system functions as an additional safety aid and supplements the prescribed operating procedures, communication protocols and physical verification carried out by railway operating staff. It is intended to improve situational awareness, strengthen communication between the Station Master and Gateman and reduce the possibility of procedural lapses during train operations.

The commissioning of the NILC Auto PN System at the three level crossing gates between Karnasubarna and Khagraghat Road marks another important step in Eastern Railway’s o­ngoing programme of technology-driven safety enhancement and modernisation of level crossing operations.

Eastern Railway remains committed to adopting appropriate technology, strengthening safety procedures and ensuring reliable train operations across its network.

Source – ER & RSB