79 accidents reported at level crossings in Palakkad in 2025-26

A total of 79 accidents were reported at level crossings under the Palakkad Railway Division during 2025 and 2026, with 55 of them occurring in 2025 alone, railway authorities have said. Most of the incidents were attributed to motorists attempting to cross railway tracks despite warning signals or closed gates.

Acting on the division’s recommendation, the Motor Vehicles department (MVD) has suspended the driving licences of six motorists for three months for violating safety norms at level crossings. According to a release, the motorists were booked between March and June this year for attempting to cross closed railway gates in violation of safety regulations.

Railway authorities said criminal proceedings had been initiated against offenders in all such cases. The division recovered ₹17.27 lakh from offenders during the 2025-26 financial year towards damage caused to railway property after vehicles rammed level-crossing gates. Level crossings are critical safety installations, the release said, warning that violations can lead to fatalities, disruption of train services, and significant damage to railway infrastructure.