Lok Sabha Question No. 3141 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-19
Subject: Manpower Shortage in Safety Category Posts
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Rahul Gandhi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3141

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.03.2025

## MANPOWER SHORTAGE IN SAFETY CATEGORY POSTS

3141. SHRI RAHUL GANDHI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  there  is  manpower  shortage  in  safety  category  posts, especially track maintainers;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  of  the  sanctioned posts, vacancies and trackmaintainers deputed for non-core functions, zone-wise;
- (c)  the  details  of  manpower  requirement  of  track  maintainers  in accordance with the Modified (Manpower and Cost Norms for Track Maintainers) Formulae, 2024, zone-wise;
- (d)  whether shortage of track maintainers has adversely impacted track maintenance and inspection work;
- (e)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  including  the  backlog  of  inspections, zone-wise; and
- (f)  the  details  of  accidents,  derailments  and  safety  incidents  that have occurred due to lapses in track maintenance, zone-wise?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a)  to  (f):  Occurrence  and  filling  up  of  vacancies  are  continuous processes 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, mechanisations 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 |
| L1      | 1.1 cr       |      191 |       551 |     33 |       99 |

Based on these exams, 1,30,581 candidates have been recruited in Railways. This includes more than 40,000 Track Maintainers.

Recruitment done in Indian Railways during 2004-2005 to 2013-2014 vis-à-vis during 2014-2015 to 2023-2024 is given as under: -

| Period                 | Recruitments   |
|------------------------|----------------|
| 2004-2005 to 2013-2014 | 4.11 lakhs     |
| 2014-2015 to 2023-2024 | 5.02 lakhs     |

Further,  as  a  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,  ten  Centralized  Employment  Notifications  (CENs)  for 92,116  vacancies have been notified during January to December 2024  for  filling  up  of  posts  of  Assistant  Loco  Pilots,  Technicians, Sub-Inspectors, Constables  in Railway  Protection Force (RPF), Junior Engineers (JEs)/ Depot Material Superintendent (DMS)/ Chemical & Metallurgical Assistant (CMA), Paramedical Categories, Non-Technical Popular Categories (Graduate), Non-Technical Popular Categories (Under-Graduate), Ministerial & Isolated Categories  and  Level-1  posts  including  13,187  vacancies  of  Track Maintainers. First stage Computer Based Test for 41,500 posts has been completed from 25.11.2024 to 30.12.2024.

## Details are as under:-

| Exam                                          | Candidates   |   Cities |   Centres |   Days |   Shifts |
|-----------------------------------------------|--------------|----------|-----------|--------|----------|
| ALP CEN No. 01/2024 (18,799 vacancies)        | 18,40,347    |      156 |       346 |      5 |       15 |
| Technician CEN No. 02/2024 (14,298 vacancies) | 26,99,892    |      139 |       312 |      9 |       27 |
| JE/DMS/CMA CEN No. 03/2024 (7,951 vacancies)  | 11,01,266    |      146 |       323 |      3 |        9 |
| RPF (SI) CEN No. 01/2024 (452 vacancies)      | 15,35,635    |      143 |       306 |      5 |       15 |

In  addition,  Computer  Based  Test  for  RPF  CEN  No.  02/2024  (4,208 vacancies)  for  the  post  of  Constable  has  started  from  02.03.2025 onwards.  2nd  Stage  Computer  Based  Test  (CBT-II)  for  CEN  No. 01/2024,  for  the  post  of  Assistant  Loco  Pilot  is  scheduled  on 19.03.2025 and 20.03.2025.

Regular  review  of  manpower  requirement  of  safety  categories including Track Maintainers are carried out based on technological upgradation in operation and maintenance practices. On Indian Railway network, majority of regular track maintenance activities  are  done  by  Track  machines  owned  by  Railways  and operated by permanent staff of Railway. These are supplemented by Railway's  Track  Maintainers  who  carry  out  works  of  immediate attention, urgent repairs, patrolling and sundry maintenance activities.  Limited  work  of  track  maintenance  not  directly  related with  safety  of  track  is  outsourced  to  balance  the  workload  of working employees as per extant provisions, till the vacancies are filled up.

Inspection and maintenance of track is accorded utmost priority in Indian  Railways  and  there  are  well  laid  inspection  and  monitoring schedules and guidelines stipulated in Indian Railways Manuals for it. These are strictly adhered and recorded in an online Portal which is  un-editable  and  checked  by  designated  authorities.  Inspection and  its  monitoring  as  prescribed  in  manuals  are  integral  part  of duties and responsibilities of P. Way engineers. There is provision of getting an exception report in the system for giving alerts in case of delays/  deviation  from  stipulated  schedules  which  are  monitored regularly.

Safety  is  accorded  the  highest  priority  on  Indian  Railways.  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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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  6,617
3. stations  up to  31.01.2025  to eliminate accident due to  human failure.
3. Interlocking of Level Crossing (LC) Gates has been provided at 11,083  level  Crossing  Gates  up  to  31.01.2025  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
6. provided at 6,625 stations up to 31.01.2025.
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  1,548  RKm  on  South  Central  Railway  and  North Central  Railway.  Presently,  the  work  is  in  progress  on  DelhiMumbai and Delhi-Howrah corridors (approximately 3,000 Route Km). Track side works on these routes have been completed on about  1,969  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
11. (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,  fan-shaped 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
22. 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)
27. 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  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

| Expenditure on Safety related activities            | Expenditure on Safety related activities   | Expenditure on Safety related activities   | Expenditure on Safety related activities   | (Rs. in Cr.)   | (Rs. in Cr.)   |
|-----------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|----------------|----------------|
|                                                     | 2013-14 (Act)                              | 2022-23 (Act)                              | 2023-24 (Act)                              | 2024-25 (RE)   | 2025-26 (BE)   |
| Maintenance of Permanent Way & Works                | 9172                                       | 18,115                                     | 20,322                                     | 21,800         | 23,316         |
| Maintenance of Motive Power and Rolling Stock       | 14,796                                     | 27,086                                     | 30,864                                     | 31,540         | 30,666         |
| Maintenance of Machines                             | 5406                                       | 9,828                                      | 10,772                                     | 12,112         | 12,880         |
| Road Safety LCs and ROBs/ RUBs                      | 1986                                       | 5,347                                      | 6,662                                      | 8,184          | 7,706          |
| Track Renewals                                      | 4985                                       | 16,326                                     | 17,850                                     | 22,669         | 22,800         |
| Bridge Works                                        | 390                                        | 1,050                                      | 1,907                                      | 2,130          | 2,169          |
| Signal & Telecom Works                              | 905                                        | 2,456                                      | 3,751                                      | 6,006          | 6,800          |
| Workshops Incl. PUs and Misc. expenditure on Safety | 1823                                       | 7,119                                      | 9,523                                      | 9,581          | 10,134         |
| Total                                               | 39,463                                     | 87,327                                     | 1,01,651                                   | 1,14,022       | 1,16,470       |

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    | 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                      |

| Signalling Works   | Signalling Works                                                                              | Signalling Works   | Signalling Works       | Signalling Works   |
|--------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------|------------------------|--------------------|
| 1.                 | Electronic Interlocking (Stations)                                                            | 837                | 2,964                  | 3.52 times         |
| 2.                 | Automatic Block Signalling (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      | Rolling Stock                                                                                 | Rolling Stock      | Rolling Stock          | 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                 |                    |

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