Evaluation of Economic, Environmental and Safety Impact of At-Grade Railway Crossings on Urban City of Developing Country
Running through the densely populated urban areas railway has an inherent weakness of generating congestions at the at-grade crossings or level crossings (LC). It is responsible for economic losses, emission of harmful gases, and increase in accident risks for roadway traffic. Realizing these effects many of the developed countries have adopted various solutions starting from automatic gates installation to grade separation. However, developing countries have either failed to address the congestion problems caused by LCs, or yet to adopt appropriate measures to counteract them. Dhaka, the most densely populated megacity of the world has 42 level crossings in the city. This study reveals the economic losses, environmental impact and safety hazard of the busiest 7.15 kilometer railway corridor which has six level crossings. Primary field data have been utilized to find the delays and emission incurred by individual LC using available methods with slight modifications. Yearly economic losses incurred by studied LCs are estimated to be 32.95 million USD. With 1,412,128 kilograms of harmful gases (volatile organic compound, NOx and CO) emitted in a year, these LCs pose serious threats to the public health of the surrounding neighborhoods. Hazardous locations have been identified by assigning Hazard Index values. In light of these results, suitable solutions have been proposed to reduce congestion at the level crossings, and to enhance public health and roadway safety.
