RAILWAY ACCIDENTS

In 2024-25, railway accidents fell 90% from 2005-06 due to advanced safety measures including high-tensile rails, Kavach, and electronic interlocking. Massive recruitment, network expansion, and increased production—with exports of metro coaches, bogies, and locomotives—have transformed Indian Railways, positioning India among the world’s top freight transport nations and ensuring greater reliability.

Last Updated on 21st March, 2025
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The Union Railways Minister in the Rajya Sabha said the train accidents came down by 90%.

News in Detail

In 2005-06, there were 234 accidents. If derailments were included, the number increased to 698, meaning almost two incidents per day.

In 2024-25, the number dropped to 30 accidents and 73 derailments, which represents a 90% reduction in railway accidents.

Safety Measures Implemented

  • High-tensile strength rails: Stronger and longer rails reduce the risk of fractures and derailments.
  • Electronic interlocking at stations and level crossing gates: This improves train movement coordination and prevents collisions.
  • Increase in fog safety devices: Reduces risks associated with low visibility during winter.
  • Rollout of Kavach: Kavach is an indigenous Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) that prevents accidents due to human errors.
  • Reduction in weld failures: Weld failures have reduced by 92%, ensuring stronger rail joints.
  • Decrease in rail fractures: Rail fractures, which were 2,500 in 2013-14, have now dropped to 250, a 91% reduction.

Railway recruitment

  • From 2014 to 2024, over 5 lakh people were employed.
  • Currently, the recruitment process for 1 lakh more employees is underway.
  • The government has conducted large-scale exams efficiently. For example, the loco pilot recruitment exam was held in 15 languages, across 156 cities, with 4 lakh candidates appearing.

Train Services

  • The number of non-AC coaches has increased to accommodate more common passengers.
  • More trains are being introduced to cater to general and sleeper class travelers.
  • Efforts are being made to reduce overcrowding during peak seasons, like the Maha Kumbh Mela.

Achievements of Indian Railways

India is now among the top three countries in the world for freight transport, carrying 1.6 billion tonnes annually. Only China and the USA have higher freight capacities.

Since 2014, over 34,000 km of new tracks have been added.This is greater than the entire railway network of Germany.

All old ICF (Integral Coach Factory) coaches will be replaced with LHB (Linke-Hofmann-Busch) coaches, which are safer and more comfortable.

In 2024 alone, India produced 1,040 locomotives. This is more than the total locomotive production of the US and Europe combined.

India is now exporting railway components

  • Metro Coaches: Exported to Australia.
  • Bogeys (Railcar Frames): Exported to the UK, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia.
  • Propulsion Parts: Supplied to France, Mexico, Romania, Spain, Germany, and Italy.
  • Passenger Coaches: Sent to Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
  • Locomotives: Exported to Mozambique, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.

This boosts the manufacturing sector and strengthens trade relations with other countries.

Must Read Articles:

MODERNISATION OF INDIAN RAILWAYS

INDIAN RAILWAYS' PATH TO NET ZERO CARBON EMISSIONS BY 2030

Source:

INDIAN EXPRESS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Discuss the historical evolution of Indian Railways from its inception in the 19th century to the present day. 150 words

https://t.me/+hJqMV1O0se03Njk9

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