Lok Sabha Question No. 3821 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-18
Subject: Reasons for Recurring Rail Accidents
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Shrirang Appa Chandu Barne

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.  3821 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.12.2024

## REASONS FOR RECURRING RAIL ACCIDENTS

## 3821.    SHRI SHRIRANG APPA CHANDU BARNE:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether poor infrastructure maintenance and aging assets have led to recurring accidents, derailments and collisions;
- (b) if so, the response of the Government thereon;
- (c) whether  experts  raise  serious  concerns  about  a  worrying  trend  of signal failures and rail fractures which are the major contributors to accidents;
- (d) if so, the response of the Government thereon;
- (e) whether the Government ordered a statutory inquiry of mishap with the Kanchanjunga Express in the last year;
- (f) if  so,  the  details  of  mishap  involving  the  Kanchanjunga  Express  in north Bengal;
- (g) the details of the automatic signals protocol;
- (h) whether there is manpower shortage; and
- (i) if so, the reasons therefor and the step taken/proposed to be taken to meet the shortage?

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND

## ANSWER ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (i): As a consequence of various safety measures taken over the years,  there  has  been  a  steep  decline  in  the  number  of  accidents. Consequential Train Accidents have reduced from 135 in 2014-15 to 40

in 2023-24 as shown in the graph below.  The causes of these accidents broadly  include  track  defects,  loco/coach  defects,  equipment  failures, human errors etc.

It may be noted that the consequential train accidents during the period 2004-14 was 1711 (average 171 per annum), which has declined to 678 during the period 2014-24 (average 68 per annum) i.e. a reduction of 60%.

Another important index showing improved safety in train operations  is  Accidents  Per  Million  Train  Kilometer  (APMTKM)  which has  reduced  from  0.11  in  2014-15  to  0.03  in  2023-24,  indicating  an improvement of approx. 73% during the said period.

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Safety  is  accorded  the  highest  priority  on  Indian  Railways.  The various safety measures taken to enhance safety in train operations are as under:-

1. On Indian  Railways,  the  expenditure  on  Safety  related  activities has increased over the years as under:
2. Electrical/Electronic Interlocking Systems with centralized operation  of  points  and  signals  have  been  provided  at  6,612 stations  up  to  30.11.2024  to  eliminate  accident  due  to  human failure.
3. Interlocking  of  Level  Crossing  (LC)  Gates  has  been  provided  at 11,082 level Crossing Gates up to 30.11.2024 for enhancing safety at LC gates.
4. Complete Track Circuiting of stations to enhance safety by verification  of  track  occupancy  by  electrical  means  has  been provided at 6,620 stations up to 30.11.2024.
5. Kavach  is  a  highly  technology  intensive  system,  which  requires safety  certification  of  highest  order.  Kavach  was  adopted  as  a National ATP system in July 2020. Kavach is provided progressively in phased manner. Kavach has already been deployed on 1548 RKm
6. on South Central Railway and North Central Railway. Presently, the work  is  in  progress  on  Delhi-Mumbai  and  Delhi-Howrah  corridors (approximately 3000 Route Km). Track side works on these routes have been completed on about 1969 RKm. Regular trials are being done on these sections.
6. Detailed instructions on issues related with safety of Signalling e.g. mandatory correspondence check, alteration work protocol, preparation of completion drawing, etc. have been issued.
7. System  of  disconnection  and  reconnection  for  S&T  equipment  as per protocol has been re-emphasized.
8. All locomotives are equipped with Vigilance Control Devices (VCD) to improve alertness of Loco Pilots.
9. Retro-reflective  sigma  boards  are  provided  on  the  mast  which  is located two OHE masts prior to the signals in electrified territories to alert the crew about the signal ahead when visibility is low due to foggy weather.
10. A GPS based Fog Safety Device (FSD) is provided to loco pilots in fog affected areas which enables loco pilots to know the distance of the approaching landmarks like signals, level crossing gates etc.
11. Modern  track  structure  consisting  of  60kg,  90  Ultimate  Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, Prestressed Concrete Sleeper (PSC) Normal/Wide base sleepers with elastic fastening, fanshaped layout turnout on PSC sleepers, Steel Channel/H-beam Sleepers on girder bridges is used while carrying out primary track renewals.
12. Mechanisation of track laying activity through use of track machines like PQRS, TRT, T-28 etc to reduce human errors.
13. Maximizing  supply  of  130m/260m  long  rail  panels  for  increasing progress  of  rail  renewal  and  avoiding  welding  of  joints,  thereby improving safety.
14. Ultrasonic  Flaw  Detection  (USFD)  testing  of  rails  to  detect  flaws and timely removal of defective rails.
15. Laying  of  longer  rails,  minimizing  the  use  of  Alumino  Thermic Welding  and  adoption  of  better  welding  technology  for  rails  i.e. Flash Butt Welding.
16. Monitoring of track geometry  by OMS  (Oscillation Monitoring System) and TRC (Track Recording Cars).
17. Patrolling of railway tracks to look out for weld/rail fractures.
18. The  use  of  Thick  Web  Switches  and  Weldable  CMS  Crossing  in turnout renewal works.
19. Inspections  at  regular  intervals  are  carried  out  to  monitor  and educate staff for observance of safe practices.
20. Web  based  online  monitoring  system  of  track  assets  viz.  Track database and decision support system has been adopted to decide rationalized maintenance requirement and optimize inputs.
21. Detailed  instructions  on  issues  related  with  safety  of  Track  e.g. integrated block, corridor block, worksite safety, monsoon precautions etc. have been issued.
22. Preventive maintenance of railway assets (Coaches & Wagons) is undertaken to ensure safe train operations.
23. Replacement of conventional ICF design coaches with LHB design coaches is being done.
24. All  unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) on Broad Gauge (BG) route have been eliminated by January 2019.
25. Safety of Railway Bridges is ensured through regular inspection of Bridges. The requirement of repair/rehabilitation of Bridges is taken up based upon the conditions assessed during these inspections.
26. Indian Railways has displayed Statutory 'Fire Notices' for widespread passenger information in all coaches. Fire posters are

| Expenditure on Safety related activities            | Expenditure on Safety related activities   | (Rs. in Cr.)   | (Rs. in Cr.)   |
|-----------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|----------------|----------------|
|                                                     | 2022-23 (Act)                              | 2023- 24(Act)  | BE 2024-25     |
| Maintenance of Permanent Way & Works                | 18,115                                     | 20,322         | 21,386         |
| Maintenance of Motive Power and Rolling Stock       | 27,086                                     | 30,864         | 31,494         |
| Maintenance of Machines                             | 9,828                                      | 10,772         | 11,864         |
| Road Safety LCs and ROBs/ RUBs                      | 5,347                                      | 6,662          | 9,980          |
| Track Renewals                                      | 16,326                                     | 17,850         | 17,652         |
| Bridge Works                                        | 1,050                                      | 1,907          | 2,137          |
| Signal & Telecom Works                              | 2,456                                      | 3,751          | 4,647          |
| Workshops Incl. PUs and Misc. expenditure on Safety | 7,119                                      | 9,523          | 9,615          |
| Total                                               | 87,327                                     | 1,01,651       | 1,08,776       |

provided  in  every  coach  so  as  to  educate  and  alert  passengers regarding  various  Do's  and  Don'ts  to  prevent  fire.  These  include messages regarding not carrying any inflammable material, explosives,  prohibition  of  smoking  inside  the  coaches,  penalties etc.

27. Production  Units  are  providing  Fire  detection  and  suppression system  in  newly  manufactured  Power  Cars  and  Pantry  Cars,  Fire and  Smoke  detection  system  in  newly  manufactured  coaches. Progressive  fitment  of  the  same  in  existing  coaches  is  also underway by Zonal Railways in a phased manner.
28. Regular counselling and training of staff is undertaken.
29. Concept of Rolling Block introduced in Indian Railways (Open Lines) General Rules vide Gazette  notification dated 30.11.2023, wherein work  of  integrated  maintenance/  repair/replacement  of  assets  is planned up to 52 weeks in advance on rolling basis and executed as per plan.

The details of the Safety related works undertaken by Railways are tabulated below:-

| SN   | Item                                      | 2004-05 to 2013- 14   | 2014-15 to 2023-24   | 2014-24 Vs. 2004-14   |
|------|-------------------------------------------|-----------------------|----------------------|-----------------------|
|      | Track Maintenance                         | Track Maintenance     | Track Maintenance    | Track Maintenance     |
| 1.   | Expenditure on Track Renewal (Rs. in Cr.) | 47,038                | 1,09,577             | 2.33 times            |
| 2.   | Rail Renewal Primary (Track Km)           | 32,260                | 43,335               | 1.34 times            |
| 3.   | Use of high-quality rails (60 Kg) (Km)    | 57,450                | 1,23,717             | 2.15 times            |
| 4.   | Longer Rail Panels (260m) (Km)            | 9,917                 | 68,233               | 6.88 times            |

| 5.                              | USFD (Ultra Sonic Flaw detection) Testing of Rails (Track km)   | 20,19,630                       | 26,52,291                                        | 1.31 times                      |
|---------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| 6.                              | USFD (Ultra Sonic Flaw detection) Testing of Welds (Nos.)       | 79,43,940                       | 1,73,06,046                                      | 2.17 times                      |
| 7.                              | New Track KM added (Track km)                                   | 14,985                          | 31,180                                           | 2.08 times                      |
| 8.                              | Weld failures (Nos.)                                            | In 2013- 14: 3699               | In 2023-24: 481                                  | 87% reduction                   |
| 9.                              | Rail fractures (Nos.)                                           | In 2013- 14: 2548               | In 2023-24: 383                                  | 85% reduction                   |
| 10                              | Thick Web Switches (Nos.)                                       | Nil                             | 21,127                                           |                                 |
| 11                              | Track Machines (Nos.)                                           | As on 31.03.14 = 748            | As on 31.03.24 = 1,661                           | 122% increase                   |
| Level Crossing Gate Elimination | Level Crossing Gate Elimination                                 | Level Crossing Gate Elimination | Level Crossing Gate Elimination                  | Level Crossing Gate Elimination |
| 1.                              | Elimination of Unmanned Level Crossing Gates (Nos.)             | As on 31.03.14: 8948            | As on 31.03.24: Nil (All eliminated by 31.01.19) | 100% reduction                  |
| 2.                              | Elimination of Manned Level Crossing Gates (Nos.)               | 1,137                           | 7,075                                            | 6.21 Times                      |
| 3.                              | Road over Bridges (RoBs)/ Road under Bridges (RUBs) (Nos.)      | 4,148                           | 11,945                                           | 2.88 Times                      |
| 4.                              | Expenditure on LC Elimination (LC+ROB+RUB)                      | 8,825                           | 41,957                                           | 4.75 Times                      |
| Bridge Rehabilitation           | Bridge Rehabilitation                                           | Bridge Rehabilitation           | Bridge Rehabilitation                            | Bridge Rehabilitation           |
| 1.                              | Expenditure on Bridge Rehabilitation (Rs. in Cr.)               | 3,924                           | 8,255                                            | 2.10 Times                      |

| 1.   | Electronic Interlocking (Stations)                                                            | 837                | 2,964                  | 3.52 times   |
|------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------|------------------------|--------------|
| 2.   | Automatic Block Signaling (Km)                                                                | 1,486              | 2,497                  | 1.67 times   |
| 3.   | Fog Pass Safety Devices (Nos.)                                                                | As on 31.03.14: 90 | As on 31.03.24: 19,742 | 219 times    |
|      | Rolling Stock                                                                                 |                    |                        |              |
| 1.   | Manufacture of LHB Coaches (Nos.)                                                             | 2,337              | 36,933                 | 15.80 times  |
| 2.   | Provision of Fire and Smoke Detection System in AC coaches (Nos. of Coaches)                  | 0                  | 19,271                 |              |
| 3.   | Provision of Fire Detection and Suppression System in Pantry and Power Cars (Nos. of Coaches) | 0                  | 2,991                  |              |
| 4.   | Provision of Fire Extinguishers in Non - AC coaches (Nos. of Coaches)                         | 0                  | 66,840                 |              |

The  rear  end  collision  between  Train  No.  13174  DN  (Kanchenjunga Express) and DN GFCJ Container took place on 17.06.2024 at 08.50 Hrs in Rangapani - Chatterhat Block section of Katihar Division of Northeast Frontier Railway. This is a Broad Gauge, Double Line, Electrified section provided with Automatic Signalling.

This  accident  has  been  inquired  into  by  the  statutory  body,  Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) under Ministry of Civil Aviation. According to this Inquiry Report, the accident has been classified under the category of 'error in train working'.

The  details  of  the  protocols  for  automatic  signals  are  provisioned  in General & Subsidiary Rules (G&SR) of Indian Railways. It contains the general provisions of Automatic Signaling, working of Automatic Signaling,  regular  maintenance  of  signaling  equipment,  adherence  to safety protocols, and efficient handling of emergency situations to avoid delays and ensure smooth train operations.

Occurrence and filling up of vacancies is a continuous process on Indian Railways  considering  its  size,  spatial  distribution  and  criticality  of operation. Adequate and suitable manpower is provided to cater to the regular operations, changes in technology, mechanizations and innovative practices. The vacancies are filled up primarily by placement of indents by Railways with Recruitment agencies as per operational and technological requirements.

After easing of restrictions imposed on account of COVID 19, two major examinations  involving  more  than  2.37  crore  candidates  have  been conducted successfully.

| Exam    | Candidates   |   Cities |   Centres |   Days |   Shifts |
|---------|--------------|----------|-----------|--------|----------|
| L2 - L6 | 1.26 cr      |      211 |       726 |     68 |      133 |
| L-1     | 1.1 cr       |      191 |       551 |     33 |       99 |

Based  on  these  exams,  1,30,581  candidates  have  been  recruited  in railways.

The RRB examinations are quite technical in nature entailing large scale mobilization  of  men  and  resources  and  training  of  manpower.  Railway overcame all these challenges and successfully conducted the recruitment in a transparent manner following all laid down guidelines. No instance of paper leakage or similar malpractice has occurred during the entire process.

Recruitment  done  in  Indian  Railways  during  2004-2014  vis-a-vis  during 2014 - 2024 is given as under.

| Period   | Recruitments   |
|----------|----------------|
| 2004-14  | 4.11 lakh      |
| 2014-24  | 5.02 lakh      |

Further, as system improvement, the Ministry of Railways has introduced a  system  of  publishing  annual  calendar  from  2024  for  recruitment  to various categories  of Group  'C'  posts.  The  introduction  of  annual calendar will benefit the aspirants in the following manner:

-  More opportunities for candidates;
-  Opportunities to those becoming eligible every year;
-  Certainty of exams;
-  Faster Recruitment process, Training and Appointments

Accordingly,  eight  Centralized  Employment  Notifications  (CENs)  for 58,642 vacancies have been notified during January to October 2024 for filling up of posts of Assistant Loco Pilots, Technicians, Sub-Inspectors & Constables in Railway Protection Force (RPF), Junior Engineers/Depot Material Superintendents/Chemical & Metallurgical Assistants, Paramedical Categories, Non-Technical Popular Categories (Graduates) &  Non-Technical  Popular  Categories  (Under-Graduates).  The  Computer Based Test has started from 25.11.2024.

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