Survey identifies 128 level crossings to be removed within 100 km of Bengaluru

The South Western Railway (SWR)’s Bengaluru Division has identified 128 level crossing gates to be phased out within a 100-km radius of the city over the next three years.

This follows a directive issued in July by Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna, who instructed officials to eliminate all level crossings within this zone to enhance both rail and road safety.

According to railway officials, the removal of these level crossings will be followed by the construction of Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs). These structures are expected to not only improve road connectivity but also ensure safer and faster movement for motorists and rail users alike.

“At many of these level crossings, motorists are forced to wait between 15 and 20 minutes each time a train passes. By replacing them with ROBs and RUBs, we aim to significantly reduce traffic congestion and improve commuter experience,” an SWR official said.

The Rail Infrastructure Development Company (Karnataka) Limited (K-RIDE), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), is also contributing to the effort by planning the elimination of 26 level crossings through the construction of new overbridges and underpasses. This work will be taken up under the 149-km Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project, which is currently under various phases of implementation.

Official said, “Uninterrupted road movement through these bridges will drastically cut waiting time at manned level crossings, which are currently a major source of bottlenecks in several parts of Bengaluru and its outskirts.”

Creating gridlocks

Commuters have long voiced concerns about the heavy traffic near these crossings. Sandeep Kumar, a resident of Munnekollal near Marathahalli, pointed out that the railway gate in his locality closes as frequently as twice an hour, leading to severe gridlocks.

“Each time a train passes, four-wheelers queue up on one side while two-wheelers squeeze into every available space, even occupying the opposite lane. When the gate reopens, vehicles from both sides are locked head-on with no space to move. It often takes 30 to 40 minutes to clear the jam during peak hours,” he said, adding that a flyover or underpass is urgently needed in the area.