Why is it in the news?

• India has witnessed multiple train mishaps in the past decade, attributed to factors like mechanical faults and human error.

An Overview

About

• With over 67,000 kilometers of tracks, the Indian Railways forms one of the most extensive rail networks globally, connecting every corner of the nation and serving as a critical mode of transportation for millions.
• From FY18 to FY23, there has been an average of 44 consequential train mishaps per year in India.
• A train mishap is any event occurring in the railway’s operation that imperils the safety of the Railway, its equipment, tracks, passengers, workers, or others, potentially leading to train delays or financial losses.
• Despite technological and infrastructural advancements, such incidents persist, impacting passengers, infrastructure, and the economy at large.

Categories

• Derailments: The most common mishap where a train veers off the tracks due to reasons like track defects, equipment malfunction, human mistakes, or deliberate sabotage.
• Collisions: It happens when two or more trains collide, often due to signaling errors or communication lapses among railway staff.
• Level Crossing Accidents: It involves train collisions with vehicles or pedestrians at rail crossings, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures at these points.

Impacts

• Human Loss and Operational Disruptions: The aftermath of train mishaps extends beyond casualties and injuries, causing disruptions in railway operations, leading to delays, cancellations, and financial setbacks.
• Trust Erosion: These incidents undermine public trust in train safety, impacting passenger confidence and ridership.
• Economic Consequences: The costs of infrastructure damage, compensations, and safety upgrades are considerable, affecting industries relying on efficient freight transport and disrupting supply chains.

Challenges

• The vast railway network faces significant safety challenges, with mishaps being a prevalent issue.
• Monitoring and maintaining every segment of track effectively is a daunting task due to the network’s sheer size.
• Overcrowded trains, inadequate maintenance, and human errors persist as ongoing threats to safety.

Safety Measures

• Indian Railways has taken proactive steps to enhance safety, such as regular track inspections, modern signaling systems, and employing technology-driven solutions like TCAS.
• Following a tragic train collision in Odisha’s Balasore district, the Supreme Court mandated preventive measures like the ‘Kavach’ train protection system to bolster railway safety and prevent future catastrophes.

Suggestions and Way Forward

• Infrastructural Upgrades: Continued investment in track modernization, signaling systems, and rolling stock is crucial in lowering accident risks.
• Enhanced Safety Protocols: Strengthening safety through staff training, operating procedure compliance, and real-time monitoring using technology can avert mishaps.
• Public Awareness: Increasing awareness among the public regarding railway safety regulations, level crossing rules, and onboard safety practices can prevent accidents.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Improved coordination among government bodies, railway authorities, and the public ensures accountability and swift responses to safety concerns.
• Innovative Safety Research: Encouraging research into cutting-edge safety technologies tailored to Indian conditions can lead to breakthroughs in accident prevention.
• To sustain the demand for safe and reliable rail transport in India, continual evolution of safety measures is vital to safeguard passengers and ensure the railway system’s enduring viability.