People walk across the tracks as a train approaches. (Press Trust of India)
The Railways plans to eliminate a total of 3,438 level crossings at a cost of Rs 6,581 crore.
"This is more than 2600 per cent higher than the sanctioned number of Road Over Bridges (ROB) and Road Under Bridges (RUB) during the current year, and highest ever in the recent times," Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu said, while presenting the Budget in the Lok Sabha.
During the 2015-16 fiscal, 970 ROBs and RUBs and other safety related works would be taken up to eliminate 3,438 level crossings, he said, adding that the project covers almost all the states.
To facilitate construction of ROBs and RUBs, the Minister said a web-based application has been commissioned earlier with user-friendly measures for online submission and approval of drawings within 60 days.
In this regard, an MoU has also been signed with the Minsitry of Road Transport and Highways, Mr Prabhu said.
The Research Designs and Standard Organisation (RDSO) has also been asked to develop a suitable device with reliable power supply system based on theft-proof panels in consultation with ISRO using geo-spatial technology for providing audio-visual warning to road users at unmanned level crossings.
Further, a radio-based signal design project has been taken up with IIT Kanpur for warnings at unmanned level crossings, the Minister said.