Indian Railways Safety: Challenges & Reforms

Why in News?

Recent incidents of train derailments and collisions over the last six months have raised concerns regarding railway safety in India.

Causes of Railway Accidents

1. Derailments

• Inadequate maintenance of locomotives, tracks, rolling stock, and signals.
• Operational lapses in railway management and safety procedures.
• Poor infrastructure and outdated technology.

2. Human Errors

• Railway staff failure accounts for 75% of derailments.
• 10% of derailments result from equipment failures.
• Errors by non-railway personnel (e.g., road users, passengers, miscreants).

3. Signal Failures

• Faulty signal circuits and track circuits lead to miscommunication.
• Example: The Balasore train collision (2023) occurred due to incorrect signal modifications.

4. Fire Accidents in Coaches

• Carrying of inflammable materials by passengers.
• Electrical short circuits in compartments.
• Negligence by pantry staff and lease contractors.

5. Shortage of Safety Personnel

• Vacancies in 20,000 safety-critical positions, including loco pilots, station masters, and train managers.
• Lack of skilled workforce leads to delays in safety maintenance and inspections.

Key Safety Measures Implemented

1. KAVACH System: Indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System

• Also known as Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).
• Works via Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and GPS.
• Prevents train collisions by automatically applying brakes when two trains are on a collision course.
• As of February 2024, 1,465 Route km and 139 locomotives have been equipped with KAVACH.

2. Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK)

• A dedicated ₹1 lakh crore fund launched in 2017-18 for railway safety infrastructure upgrades.

3. Modernization of Railway Infrastructure

• GPS-based Fog Safety Devices alert locomotive pilots during low visibility conditions.
• Upgraded electrical/electronic interlocking systems at stations.
• Interlocking Level Crossing (LC) Gates to reduce accidents.

4. Elimination of Unmanned Level Crossings

• All unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) on Broad Gauge (BG) routes eliminated by 2019.

5. Safety Information Management System (SIMS)

• Web-based system for real-time accident reporting, analysis, and safety data sharing between Zonal Railways and Railway Board.

6. Fire Safety Measures

• Use of fire-retardant materials in train interiors.
• Improved fire detection systems in railway coaches.

Way Forward for Railway Safety

1. Establishing a Railway Safety Authority

• As recommended by the Kakodkar Committee, India needs a statutory authority with independent powers for railway safety oversight.
• Currently, rule-making, operations, and regulation are all controlled by the Railway Board, leading to conflicts of interest.

2. Implementing a ‘Detailed Outcome Framework’

• CAG’s 2021 report on railway derailments suggests assessing safety measures under RRSK for better effectiveness.

3. AI-Enabled Railway Monitoring Systems

• AI and data analytics can monitor railway track conditions, train movement, and predict failures.

4. Track Safety Tolerances

• As per the Khanna Committee, efforts must be made to set speed-based safety tolerances for tracks, considering global best practices.

5. Expanding Automatic Train Protection (ATP) Systems

• Mumbai Suburban Railway’s ATP system serves as a model that should be replicated nationwide.

Global Best Practices in Railway Safety

1. Europe: European Train Control System (ETCS)

• A signaling and train control system used across Europe to improve safety and efficiency.

2. United Kingdom: Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS)

• Prevents trains from passing danger signals and controls speed in critical areas.

3. Japan: Automatic Train Control (ATC) System

• Automatically adjusts train speeds to ensure safe operations.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is the primary function of the KAVACH system in Indian Railways?

(a) Prevents passenger overloading in trains.
(b) Enhances passenger comfort through automatic seating allocation.
(c) Detects unauthorized ticketless passengers in railway coaches.
(d) Prevents train collisions through automatic braking and signaling.

Answer: (d) Prevents train collisions through automatic braking and signaling.

2. Which of the following railway safety initiatives is a dedicated ₹1 lakh crore fund for infrastructure upgrades?

(a) PM Gati Shakti Yojana
(b) Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK)
(c) Kavach Safety Mission
(d) Indian Railway Modernization Fund

Answer: (b) Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK)

UPSC Mains Questions

1. “Indian Railways has witnessed frequent derailments and safety incidents in recent years.” Discuss the causes behind railway accidents in India and evaluate the effectiveness of government safety initiatives like KAVACH and RRSK in addressing these challenges.

2. “Modernizing railway safety infrastructure is crucial for India’s economic growth and passenger security.” Analyze the role of technology in enhancing railway safety, with examples from global best practices.