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Train Mishaps in India


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.
India’s Train Disasters

·        2024: The tragic Kanchanjunga Express train accident took place near Rangapani station in the Katihar Railway Division, before reaching New Jalpaiguri Junction.

·        2023: A devastating triple train crash occurred in Balasore when the Coromandel Express collided with a goods train after hitting the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express. The incident claimed the lives of over 300 people and left more than 1,000 injured.

·        2016: A derailment of the Indore-Patna Express in Uttar Pradesh on 20 November resulted in at least 146 fatalities, as carriages crashed into each other.

·        2010: A heartbreaking incident occurred 83 miles west of Kolkata in Bengal when a train derailed and collided with a freight train, causing 146 deaths and over 200 injuries.

·        2002: The luxury Rajdhani Express traveling from Calcutta to New Delhi tragically plunged into the swollen Dhabi river, claiming the lives of at least 120 individuals.

·        1999: On 2 August, a collision between two trains in Gaisal, West Bengal, led to the deaths of 285 people and left 312 injured.

·        1998: The collision between the Sealdah Express and a derailed train in Punjab resulted in the tragic loss of at least 210 lives.

·        1995: A collision between two trains near Agra, at Firozabad, claimed the lives of over 300 individuals and left 344 injured on 20 August.

·        1981: India experienced its deadliest rail accident on 6 June, with over 800 people losing their lives when a train derailed in Bihar and fell into the river below.

·        1954: On 28 September, a train traveling between Madras and New Delhi derailed after a bridge collapse, leading to the deaths of at least 137 people and injuring 100.

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.
About KAVACH system

·        KAVACH is an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system developed locally by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in partnership with Indian industry, with trial support from South Central Railway.

·        The primary goal of KAVACH is to enhance safety in train operations throughout Indian Railways through its advanced electronic system designed to ensure Safety Integrity Level – 4 standards.

·        This system is engineered to prevent trains from passing a Red signal and to avoid potential collisions, thus promoting railway safety.

·        KAVACH automatically triggers the train braking mechanism if the driver fails to adhere to speed restrictions, reducing the risk of accidents.

·        Moreover, it effectively prevents collisions between two Locomotives equipped with the functional KAVACH system.

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.
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