The Railways has changed the procedure for operating non-interlocked level crossing gates. Under the new rules, a private number exchanged between the station master and gateman will no longer be enough to open the gate.
The gateman will now need prior permission from the controlling station master before opening the gate. The new procedure aims to strengthen safety for both train and road traffic.
Railway Level Crossing Rules Now Require Station Master Permission
Earlier, at many non-interlocked gates, train movement and gate operations were coordinated through a private number between the station master and the gateman.
A private number is a secret code used to verify telephone conversations between two people. Under the revised procedure, simply entering this number will not be sufficient for opening the gate.
Before opening the gate, the gateman must first confirm that the concerned train has completely passed the crossing. The train’s tailboard and tail lamps must be visible before the gate-opening process begins.
The gateman will then seek permission from the station master. The station master will check the status of the concerned railway section and, only after confirming that no train is present on the section, permit the gate to be opened.
Safety Signals Must Be Displayed Before Opening Gate
The Railway Board has also directed gatemen to follow additional safety measures before opening the crossing for road traffic.
Gatemen will have to display banners, flags or red lamps towards approaching trains on both the up and down lines. This is intended to provide an additional safety measure if a train approaches while the gate is open.
The gate can be opened for road traffic only after the required safety signals have been displayed.
New Procedure for Closing Railway Gates
The procedure for closing the gate has also been changed. Instead of simply providing a private number, the station master will give the gateman information about trains passing through the relevant section.
This information will include the train number, direction and other important details. After receiving the information, the gateman will close the gate to road traffic.
Once the gate is closed, the banners, flags or red lamps placed on the railway line will be removed. After confirming that the gate is completely closed, the gateman will inform the station master.
Railway Board Orders Immediate Implementation
Railway Board Deputy Director Traffic Shweta Sharma issued a letter regarding the changes on September 9, 2026. The letter focuses on further strengthening safety arrangements at non-interlocked level crossing gates.
The Railway Board has directed all zonal railways to make the necessary changes to their Subsidiary Rules, Station Working Rules and Gate Working Rules according to the new instructions.
The zonal railways have also been asked to implement these amendments without delay.
The revised procedure places greater emphasis on confirming the complete passage of a train and obtaining station master’s permission before opening a manually operated level crossing gate.
These additional checks are intended to reduce the possibility of gates being opened prematurely and improve safety for passengers, railway operations and road users.
