Despite continuous safety drive launched by railways, there is a significant increase in number of persons killed on tracks with the casualty figure touching 15,934 till September this year.

According to Railway Ministry data, while there were 14,611 persons killed on rail tracks last year, the toll touched 15,934 till September this year.

At unmanned level crossings (UMLC), 71 persons were killed this year while the last year's total figure was 202.There are about 13,530 UMLCs in the country that need to be replaced with road over bridge (ROB) or road under bridge (RUB) and diversion roads and subways.

Admitting delay in completing construction of road over bridge and under bridge at many level crossings, a senior Railway Ministry official said, there are many factors including the availability of land involved in it. He said, construction has to be carried with active cooperation of state governments.