INDIA'S RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE ON LIFE SUPPORT

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Context: 

Growing train accidents in India raise a big question about the rail as a mode of transport that crores of Indians rely on.

Statistics on Railway accidents in India

There are regular incidents of train accidents in India with more than 18 railway accidents occurring in 2023-24 alone. Here are decadal statistics of railway accidents in India:

Reason for train accidents

Derailments: 

They are a major source of train accidents in India. Recent train derailments such as the Kanchanjunga Express derailment in North Bengal, the Howrah-Mumbai Mail derailment, etc., have been found to have occurred due to poor track maintenance, overcrowding, operational errors, outdated signalling systems, weather etc. 

According to a 2020 government safety study, derailments were the cause of 70% of all train accidents in the nation.

According to a 2022 Comptroller and Auditor General reports, derailments were the cause of seven out of ten railroad accidents that occurred between 2018 and 2021.

Human error: 

Railway employees who are in charge of running, maintaining, and overseeing the trains and tracks are vulnerable to human error due to various reasons which includes weariness, carelessness, corruption, or a lack of due diligence for safety regulations and protocols, etc.

Signalling Failures: 

Technical issues, power failures, or human mistakes can all cause the signalling system, which regulates the motion and direction of trains on the tracks, to malfunction.

UMLC and MLCs: 

Although all Unmanned level crossings(UMLCs) on wide gauge routes have been eliminated, accidents at manned level crossings (MLCs) are also increasing. 

UMLCs and MLCs

Challenge of Safety and Information Flow: 

Regular field inspections are conducted by different levels of authorities but there is a lack of adequate and swift information flow at different levels due to non-adherence to railway protocols and standards.

Infrastructure Defects: 

Poor maintenance, ageing, vandalism, or natural calamities frequently result in the railway infrastructure such as tracks, bridges, overhead wires, and rolling stock being flawed.

Overcrowding: 

Many railway routes in India are running at 100% capacity, which raises the possibility of accidents.

Insufficient utilisation of funds: 

Indian Railways has failed to use all the allocated funds to achieve the goal of zero accidents. Track renewal expenses accounted for 13.5% of the railway's 2022–2023 income, which was 1.2 lakh crore.

In FY24 (Revised Estimates), the total railway revenue rose to ₹ 1.5 lakh crore, but despite an increase in budget, the spending on track renewal dropped to 11% of the revenue. In the July budget, the railway's revenue was planned at ₹ 1.8 lakh crore in FY25 (Budget Estimates), and the track renewal spending was at 9.7% of this revenue.

Policy issues: 

Flagship initiatives such as KAVACH are still a work in progress. Experts say it's difficult to implement Kavach in the current railway networks without interfering with train traffic.

Steps taken by the government 

Rashtriya  Rail  Sanraksha  Kosh  (RRSK)

Rashtriya  Rail  Sanraksha  Kosh  (RRSK)  was  introduced  in 2017-18 for replacement/renewal/upgradation of critical safety assets, with a corpus of 1 lakh crore rupees for five years and annual outlay of 20000 crore rupees.

Coach safety measures

Indian Railways has introduced Modified Centre Buffer Couplers, Bogie Mounted Air Brake System (BMBS), improved suspension design and provision of Automatic fire & smoke detection system in coaches for enhanced safety.

Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) coach

Conventional Integral Coach Factory (ICF) design coaches being replaced with LHB design coaches of Mail/Express trains in phased manner.

GPS tagging

A GPS based Fog Pass device is being provided to loco pilots in fog affected areas to enable loco pilots to know the exact distance of the approaching landmarks like signals, level crossing gates etc.

Increasing length of rail panels

Long rail panels are being manufactured at the steel plant to minimize the number of Alumino Thermit joints, which are more fragile than steel rails,   in the track.

Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) testing 

Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) testing of rails to detect flaws and timely removal of defective rails.

Electrical/Electronic Interlocking System

Electrical/Electronic Interlocking System with centralized operation of points and signals are being provided to eliminate accidents due to human failure and to replace old mechanical systems. 

Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS)

Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) based on European Technology ETCS Level-1, a proven Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System to avoid train accident /collision on account of human error of Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD) or over speeding, has been installed on various routes.

Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)

Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) has been installed in more than ten routes and it will be expanded further.

KAVACH

Indian Railways has been developing and upgrading technology in signalling and telecommunication, with automatic signalling on 15,000 km of rail network to reduce accidents. The KAVACH is the domestically developed Train Collision Avoidance System  and it will cover 37,000 km of tracks.

Read more about it here:Kavach Anti-Collision System

Way ahead

Conducting extensive investigations: 

In order to assess responsibility and identify the underlying causes of train accidents, it is imperative that thorough investigations be carried out promptly. All Inquiry reports should be submitted and accepted within the allotted time frames, and the results must be made available for public review and discussion.

Provision of adequate funding: 

We need to ensure that safety-related projects, such as infrastructure improvements, signalling systems, and track renewal, have adequate funding. Funding from programs like the Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) should be used appropriately to ensure safety measures.

Technological Solutions:

Automatic Train Control (ATC) Systems:

ATC systems automate speed control and distance management. This reduces the chances of accidents caused by human error.

Positive Train Control (PTC):

PTC uses GPS and communication to monitor trains. It can automatically stop trains that exceed speed limits or approach hazards.

Signal Automation and Interlocking Systems:

These systems ensure signals are set correctly to prevent accidents. They provide clear signals to train drivers.

Driver Assistance Systems:

Driver assistance systems monitor conditions using sensors. They alert drivers to potential issues, enhancing safety.

Training and Education:

Comprehensive Training Programs:

Training should include theory and practical exercises. Drivers must learn signal recognition and emergency procedures.

Simulation-Based Training:

Simulations allow drivers to practice in safe environments. This helps them respond better to emergencies.

Human Factors Training:

Training should cover fatigue and stress management. Drivers need to understand healthy habits to stay focused.

Organizational and Cultural Measures:

Safety Culture:

A strong safety culture prioritizes safety over efficiency. It encourages open reporting of safety issues.

Fatigue Management Programs:

Programs should ensure proper scheduling and rest for drivers. Monitoring alertness helps reduce fatigue risks.

Error Reporting and Analysis:

A non-punitive error reporting system helps identify problems. Analyzing errors leads to improvements in safety.

Policy and Regulatory Measures:

Ensuring Rigorous Safety Measures:

Strict regulations enforce the use of safety technologies. Regular inspections ensure compliance and safety.

Encouraging Safety Investments:

Incentives motivate companies to invest in safety. This helps reduce human error and improve practices.

International Collaboration:

To significantly enhance safety and mitigate accidents on Indian Railways, international collaboration and the adoption of foreign technology are crucial. We can collaborate with European countries utilising the European Train Control System (ETCS),  US for Positive Train Control (PTC) technology, and  Japan and Germany on advanced track maintenance techniques ATMT).

Important recommendations of the Kakodkar Committee related to division of responsibilities: 

Three vital functions (rule-making, operations and the regulation) are all vested in the Railway Board. 

There is a need for an independent mechanism for safety regulation. 

There is a need for the creation of a statutory Railway Safety Authority with enough powers to have a safety oversight on the operational mode of Railways.

Important articles for reference

Kavach Anti-Collision System

About Indian Railways

CAG’S 2022 REPORT ON “DERAILMENTS IN INDIAN RAILWAYS”

MODERNISATION OF INDIAN RAILWAYS

Rail Safety In India

Sources:

NDTV

RAI