A train passing through a residential crossing in Ninh Phước District in Ninh Thuận Province. VNA/VNS Photo Nguyễn Thành

HÀ NỘI —According to the latest report from the Ministry of Transport, 1,087 locations remain at risk of railway traffic accidents along the North-South railway route.

In the report on the results of implementing traffic safety regulations in the railway sector in 2019-2023, the ministry stated that 777 out of a total of 4,093 unmanned level crossings had been eliminated, reaching 18.9 per cent of the total.

These unmanned level crossings are in densely populated areas with high train traffic density and pose a high risk of railway traffic accidents.

The ministry and local authorities have narrowed the width of 1,348 out of a total of 1,805 unmanned level crossings to under three metres; installed warning signs at 2,993 out of a total of 3,316 unmanned level crossings; and installed guardrails at 358 out of 592 points.

Local authorities and the railway sector have constructed 15,089 metres of separating fences between road and rail. However, only two out of 149 tunnels have been built.

Currently, there are still five hot spots of railway traffic accidents and 1,087 points at risk of railway traffic accidents on existing railway lines.

Relevant authorities must apply temporary measures to ensure railway traffic safety, such as narrowing passages, installing vehicle restriction signs and warning signs.

The ministry reported that some localities have proactively invested in funds to close unmanned level crossings and maintain traffic safety corridors to facilitate safe and convenient travel for the people.

Assessing the period of 2019-2023, the ministry said the order of railway traffic safety corridors in recent years has continued to be maintained and improved.

The ministry, the railway sector, and local authorities have completed detailed dossier preparation and management of unmanned level crossings.

Thirty-four cities and provinces have developed plans to eliminate unmanned level crossings.

Previously, the ministry asked the People's Committees of localities with railways to prioritise allocating funds from local budgets to implement the removal of unmanned level crossings according to approved plans and schedules.

The Việt Nam Railway Administration reported that in the first quarter of 2024, there were 46 railway accidents nationwide, resulting in 21 deaths and 25 injuries.

Railway accidents decreased in terms of both the number of incidents and the number of fatalities and injuries compared to the same period in 2023.

The causes of accidents are mainly people and vehicles crossing the railway in violation of warning signals when trains are approaching.

Statistics also show that most accidents occur at unmanned level crossings. Twenty-four incidents were at unmanned level crossings, eight incidents at crossings with warnings, one incident at a manned crossing and 13 incidents alongside the railway tracks. – VNS