With a 174.5km long railway line passing through Quang Binh province, the work of ensuring railway traffic order and safety (TTATGT) is always focused on by the province. Although the number of railway traffic accidents (TNGT) has decreased sharply in 2024, the problem of controlling self-opened crossings (LDTM) is still a problem that needs to be thoroughly resolved.
Accidents have decreased sharply but there are still potential risks
According to Quang Binh Railway Joint Stock Company, there are currently 76 legal level crossings and 120 LDTMs in the province. Although the number of railway traffic accidents decreased by 75% compared to the previous year in 2024, the risk is still there, especially at illegal intersections.
Director of Quang Binh Railway Joint Stock Company Tran Ngoc Son said that the complex terrain, many pass tunnel and curve routes make it difficult to ensure train safety. In particular, although the authorities have fenced off many shopping malls, there have been many cases of people arbitrarily dismantling them for traffic, increasing the risk of unsafety.
Determining the responsibility in ensuring train safety, in 2024, the railway industry will coordinate with units and localities to implement many drastic solutions.
During the year, 19 LDTMs were closed, 16 locations were demolished by people and inspected and narrowed. The work of checking and reviewing railway traffic safety paths and corridors is carried out regularly to take timely measures.
The railway industry coordinates with local authorities and schools to disseminate laws on railway traffic safety and order, organize the signing of commitments with cadres, workers and people in key areas.
In Tuyen Hoa district, where there are many LDTMs, narrowing the intersections is one of the key solutions to ensure railway safety.
People's awareness is gradually changing
Many people in areas where the railway line passes through have gradually raised their awareness of complying with traffic safety regulations.
In Dong Hoi City, 2 LDTMs have been closed in 2024, including one location in Bac Ly Ward - an area with high traffic density. Mr. Van Ngoc Son, urban - traffic officer of Bac Ly ward, said: "Closing self-opened crossings not only helps ensure railway traffic safety but also contributes to maintaining urban traffic order. We will continue to inspect and propagate to avoid the situation where people arbitrarily reopen these paths".
Despite positive results, controlling LDTM is still a challenge. Some localities such as Kim Hoa and Le Hoa communes, Dong Le town (Tuyen Hoa), Quang Tien commune (Quang Trach), Bac Ly ward (Dong Hoi city) ... still recorded people arbitrarily removing barriers to create short-term crossings.
To address this issue, the railway industry and local authorities have identified the need to continue to step up propaganda, strictly handle violations and add warning measures at dangerous intersections.
Railway traffic safety work must not only reduce the number of accidents but also create a safe and sustainable traffic environment. In the coming time, Quang Binh will continue to implement synchronous measures.
Minimize the number of LDTMs by narrowing and gradually eliminating illegal intersections. Raising public awareness, especially for people living near the railway. Strengthen technical measures such as installing warning systems, adding signs and improving patrol and control efficiency.
