M’luru: Technical fault creates havoc at Haleangady Railway crossing

Haleangady: Huge traffic jam ensued as the gates remained closed for more than half an hour due to a technical fault at the level railway crossing at Haleangady on Saturday.

The gates had been closed for making way for a railway engine to move on the tracks. However, before the engine could move 100 meters from the gate, the power got cut off. This led to the locking of the gates in the closed position.

Vishwanath, who is one of the personnel working the gate, told Udayavani that the gates at Haleangady railway crossing are opened once the train moves beyond 100 meters from the gate, unlike others where the gates open only after the train clearing a distance of one kilometer. The problem occurred as the power supply got cut off before the engine could move beyond the 100-meter threshold set. “This is the first time such an incident has taken place,” he added.

The vehicles on both sides could only wait as the railway officials got down to rectify the fault and the engine could move on. However, many commuters were not happy with the turn of events. Many also argued with the personnel maintaining the railway gate.

Meanwhile, people are demanding an overbridge at the busy crossing. “The number of vehicles moving at the crossing is increasing day by day. peoples representatives should take initiative to construct a suitable overbridge, otherwise, this could lead to more protests,” said social activist Addi Bollur.