Lok Sabha Question No. 1387 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-04
Subject: Incidents of Train Derailments in the Country
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Ms Sayani Ghosh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1387 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.12.2024

## INCIDENTS OF TRAIN DERAILMENTS IN THE COUNTRY

1387. MS SAYANI GHOSH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  number  of  incidents  of  train  derailments  since  January  2024 across the country;
- (b) the  number  of  people  who  have  died,  got  injured  and  permanently disabled in these train derailments since January 2024;
- (c) the  amount  incurred  on  the  compensation  given  to  the  kin  of  the deceased  and  injured,  and  details  of  any  pending  compensation, since January 2024;
- (d) the  number of train derailments in which the Government initiated investigations and the results of such investigations; and
- (e) whether the Government estimated the economic loss incurred due to these train derailments, if so, details thereof since January 2024?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 1387 BY MS SAYANI GHOSH TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON  04.12.2024  REGARDING  INCIDENTS  OF  TRAIN  DERAILMENTS  IN  THE COUNTRY

(a) to (e): 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 including derailments 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. 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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During  the  Year  2024-25  (April  to  November),  29  consequential  train accidents including derailments occurred over Indian Railways. Out of the 29 cases, 03 cases have been inquired into by the commission of Railway Safety whereas remaining 26 cases have been/are being inquired into by the Railway Department Committees.

The agencies, after due deliberations, submit their findings and recommendations in various accidents. As per the inquiries, these accidents occurred  due  to  equipment  failure,  error  in  train  working,  environmental factors, human errors, etc.

In these 29 consequential train accidents, 17 persons lost their lives and 81  sustained  injuries.  Total  cost  of  damages  to  railway  property  such  as Rolling Stock/Tracks etc., in consequential train derailments during the period has been assessed as about Rs. 19.28 Cr.

Accident  victims  are  paid  ex-gratia  relief  soon  after  an  accident  or untoward incident. Total amount of ex-gratia paid by the Railways to the next of kin of deceased and injured in train accidents in the current year 2024-25 (Apr to Nov) is Rs 2.89 Cr.

Compensation  for  death/injury  of  railway  passengers  in  train  accidents and untoward incidents as defined under Section 124 and Section 124-A (read with  Section  123)  of  the  Railways  Act,  1989,  is  decided  by  Railway  Claims Tribunal  (RCT)  on  the  basis  of  a  claim  application  filed  by  the  victims/their dependents before RCT and it disposes of the cases after following the due judicial  process.  Railway  Administration  pays  compensation  only  when  a decree  is  awarded  by  Hon'ble  RCT  in  favour  of  the  claimant  and  Railways decide to implement the decree. Compensation amount is over and above the ex-gratia amount. Total amount of compensation paid by the Railways to the next of kin of deceased and injured in train accidents in the current year 202425 (Apr to Nov) is Rs 8.19 Cr.

It may be noted thatthe compensation paid in a year need not necessarily relate  to  the  accidents/  casualties  in  that  year  alone.  The  amount  paid  in  a year depends upon the number of cases finalized by Railway Claims Tribunals (RCTs) or other Courts of Law in a particular year irrespective of the year(s) in which the accident they pertain to, have occurred.

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 6,608 stations up to 31.10.2024 to eliminate accident due to human failure.
3. Interlocking  of  Level  Crossing  (LC)  Gates  has  been  provided  at  11,053 level Crossing Gates up to 31.10.2024 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 6,619 stations up to 31.10.2024.
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  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 1081  RKm  (705RKm  on  Delhi-Mumbai  section  and  376  RKm  on  DelhiHowrah section). 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
12. 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 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.

| 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       |

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                         |                      |                      |                       |
| 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                               |                      |                                                 |                |
| 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                                         |                      |                                                 |                |
| 1.   | Expenditure on Bridge Rehabilitation (Rs. in Cr.)             | 3,924                | 8,255                                           | 2.10 Times     |
|      | Signalling Works                                              |                      |                                                 |                |
| 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 |             |

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