LAHORE, Dec 24: The Pakistan Railways Police have decided to launch a campaign to create awareness among the general public about safer usage of unmanned level crossings.

In a directive issued on Saturday, Railways IG Syed Ibne Husain directed all superintendents of police (SPs) to coordinate with the divisional superintendent concerned to make arrangements for the purpose at unmanned level crossings.

The station house officers (SHOs) should distribute pamphlets containing safety instructions among the residents of areas near track and the people who frequently use the route. Announcements should also be made through loudspeakers at the mosques and boards containing instructions to pass through the unmanned level crossings should be erected.

Pakistan Railways has some 4,072 level crossings – 1,341 manned and 2,731 unmanned -- on its 8,000 kilometres or so long operational track. At least Rs4 million are required to convert an unmanned level crossing into manned one.

Meanwhile, Railways IGP Syed Ibne Husain extended facilitations to all the Christians employees of the force on the eve of Christmas.

A railway police spokesman said on Saturday that cash awards would also be distributed among Christian employees of PR Police in all divisions.