Payyanur: Rushing to cross a railway gate can lead to accidents, heavy fines and even vehicle seizure. In the past two years, 92 incidents were reported in the Palakkad railway division involving people ignoring closed gates and warning signals. These included vehicles breaking gates and entering railway tracks.

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A total of Rs 19.89 lakh was collected as fines, while the driving licences of eight motorists were cancelled.

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) will seize vehicles involved in such incidents. Owners can get their vehicles back only through court proceedings.

On September 23, 2026, a jeep got stuck on the railway tracks while attempting to cross the gate at Thazhe Chovva as it was closing. A major accident was narrowly averted.

Drones and cameras for surveillance

Despite the RPF conducting 174 public awareness programmes this year, accidents at railway gates continue. As many as 46 gate-related accidents have been registered.

Most incidents occurred when motorists, caught in long queues on roads, carelessly attempted to cross the railway tracks. Such incidents disrupt both train and road traffic. When a vehicle hits and damages a railway gate, the need to close it for repairs creates further difficulties.

In response to the accidents, surveillance cameras have been installed at some level crossings. Drone surveillance has also been introduced during busy hours.