Chennai Division Removes 12 Level Crossing Gates
The Chennai Division of Southern Railway has closed 12 level crossing gates during 2025–26 as part of its safety and commuter convenience measures. The move aims to separate road traffic from railway movement and reduce the risk of accidents at railway crossings.
Level crossings are points where roads and railway tracks intersect at the same level. These locations often cause delays for road users and can also create safety risks when vehicles and pedestrians cross railway tracks.
How the Gates Were Closed
According to the official statement reported by The New Indian Express, the 12 level crossings were eliminated through different replacement methods:
| Replacement Method | Number of Crossings |
|---|---|
| Subways | 7 |
| Road Over Bridges | 3 |
| Road Under Bridge | 1 |
| Traffic diverted to nearby level crossing | 1 |
| Total | 12 |
These changes are intended to ensure better separation between road and railway traffic, thereby improving safety and reducing inconvenience for commuters.
Seven Subways Commissioned
The seven level crossings that were replaced with subways are located in the following railway sections:
- Walajah Road–Mukundarayapuram
- Katpadi–Latteri
- Latteri–Kavanur
- Kavanur Yard
- Gudiyattam–Valathoor
- Melpatti–Pachchaupam
- Jolarpettai–Somanayakkanpatti
Subways help vehicles and pedestrians pass below railway tracks without waiting for trains to cross. This reduces traffic interruption and improves movement on both road and rail routes.
Three Road Over Bridges Completed
Three level crossings were closed after the construction of Road Over Bridges. These are located at:
- Ottivakkam Yard
- Vinnamangalam–Vaniyambadi
- Chitteri–Mahendravadi.
Road Over Bridges allow road traffic to pass above railway tracks, avoiding direct interaction with train movement. This is especially useful in busy railway sections where frequent gate closures affect commuters.
Crossings Closed
Road Under Bridge
One level crossing between Pallavaram and Tambaram has been closed after the construction of a Road Under Bridge. This will allow road users to cross below the railway line without waiting at a gate.
Traffic Diverted
Another level crossing in the Nayudupeta–Pedapariya section of the Chennai Central–Gudur line was closed by diverting road traffic to a nearby crossing.
Why This Step Matters
The closure of level crossings is part of a wider railway safety approach. By replacing gates with subways, overbridges, and underbridges, Southern Railway can reduce accident risks, avoid road delays, and improve train operations.
For daily commuters, this means fewer waiting times at railway gates in the long run. For railway operations, it means smoother movement of trains without road traffic interruptions.
Conclusion
The Chennai Division’s closure of 12 level crossing gates during 2025–26 is a safety-focused infrastructure measure. With seven subways, three Road Over Bridges, one Road Under Bridge, and one traffic diversion, Southern Railway is moving towards safer and more efficient road-rail movement across key sections.