Lok Sabha Question No. 5228 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-02
Subject: Improvement in Quality of Railway Infrastructure
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Dr. Kalyan Vaijinathrao Kale, Dr. Prashant Yadaorao Padole

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5228

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.04.2025

## IMPROVEMENT IN QUALITY OF RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE

5228. Dr. KALYAN VAIJINATHRAO KALE:

Dr. PRASHANT YADAORAO PADOLE:

## Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to  improve  the quality of railway infrastructure in light of the various train collisions reported in the year 2024;
- (b) whether the Government has identified specific gaps in the existing safety  systems  and  if  so,  the  measures  being  implemented  to address these issues;
- (c) the manner in which the Government is planning to fill the 1.5 lakh vacant  posts  in  the  safety  category  particularly  to  ensure  that adequate number of skilled frontline safety staff are employed; and
- (d) the  timeline  fixed  and  strategy  followed  for  recruiting  and  training safety  staff  to  enhance  the  overall  safety  and  reliability  of  railway operations?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (d): 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 31 in the year 2024-25 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 31 in 2024-25.

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  6,623  stations  up  to 28.02.2025 to eliminate accident due to human failure.

| Expenditure on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)   | Expenditure on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)   | Expenditure on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)   | Expenditure on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)   | Expenditure on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)   | Expenditure on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)   |
|---------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                         | 2013-14 (Act)                                           | 2022-23 (Act)                                           | 2023- 24(Act)                                           | RE 2024- 25                                             | BE 2025- 26                                             |
| Maintenance of Permanent Way & Works                    | 9172                                                    | 18,115                                                  | 20,322                                                  | 21,800                                                  | 23,316                                                  |
| Maintenance of Motive Power and Rolling Stock           | 14796                                                   | 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                                                   | 39463                                                   | 87,327                                                  | 1,01,651                                                | 1,14,022                                                | 1,16,470                                                |

3. Interlocking  of  Level  Crossing  (LC)  Gates  has  been  provided  at 11,089 level Crossing Gates up to 28.02.2025 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 provided at 6,631 stations up to 28.02.2025.
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 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  2066  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, 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.
- Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) testing of rails to detect flaws and
14. 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.
- The  use  of  Thick  Web  Switches  and  Weldable  CMS  Crossing  in
18. 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.
7. 28.
8. 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  related  to  better  maintenance practices, Technological improvements, better infrastructure and rolling stock etc. undertaken by Railways are tabulated below:-

| SN   | Item                                                      | 2004-05 to 2013-14                      | 2014-15 to 2024-25 ( till Jan 25)       | 2014-25 Vs. 2004-14                     |
|------|-----------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
|      | Technological improvements                                | Technological improvements              | Technological improvements              | Technological improvements              |
| 1    | Use of high-quality rails (60 Kg) (Km)                    | 57,450 km                               | 1.4 lakh km                             | More than 2 times                       |
| 2    | Longer Rail Panels (260m) (Km)                            | 9,917 km                                | 76,000 km                               | More than 7 times                       |
| 3    | Electronic Interlocking (Stations)                        | 837 stations                            | 3,243 stations                          | 4 times                                 |
| 4    | Fog Pass Safety Devices (Nos.)                            | As on 31.03.14: 90 nos.                 | As on 31.01.25: 25,293                  | 281 times                               |
| 5    | Thick Web Switches (Nos.)                                 | Nil                                     | 27,079 nos.                             |                                         |
|      | Better maintenance practices                              | Better maintenance practices            | Better maintenance practices            | Better maintenance practices            |
| 1    | PrimaryRail Renewal (Track Km)                            | 32,260 km                               | 49,000 km                               | 1.5 times                               |
| 2    | USFD (Ultra Sonic Flaw detection) Testing of Welds (Nos.) | 79.43 lakh                              | 1.9 crore                               | More than 2 times                       |
| 3    | Weld failures (Nos.)                                      | In 2013-14: 3699 nos.                   | In 2024-25: 301 nos.                    | 92 % reduction                          |
| 4    | Rail fractures (Nos.)                                     | In 2013-14: 2548 nos.                   | In 2024-25: 243 nos.                    | 91% reduction                           |
|      | Better infrastructure and Rolling stock                   | Better infrastructure and Rolling stock | Better infrastructure and Rolling stock | Better infrastructure and Rolling stock |

|   1 | New Track KM added (Track km)              | 14,985 nos.          | 34,000 km                                        | More than 2 times   |
|-----|--------------------------------------------|----------------------|--------------------------------------------------|---------------------|
|   2 | Flyovers (RoBs)/ Underpasses (RUBs) (Nos.) | 4,148 nos.           | 12,771 nos.                                      | More than 3 times   |
|   3 | Unmanned Level crossings ( nos.) on BG     | As on 31.03.14: 8948 | As on 31.03.24: Nil (All eliminated by 31.01.19) | Removed             |
|   4 | Manufacture of LHB Coaches (Nos.)          | 2,337 nos.           | 41,551                                           | More than 17 times  |

## Implementation of Kavach:

- i) Kavach  is  an  indigenously  developed  Automatic  Train  Protection (ATP)  system.  Kavach  is  a  highly  technology  intensive  system, which requires safety certification of highest order (SIL-4).
2. ii) Kavach  aids  the  Loco  Pilot  in  running  of  train  within  specified speed limits by automatic application of brakes in case Loco Pilot fails  to  do  so  and  also  helps  the  trains  to  run  safely  during inclement weather.
3. iii) The  first  field  trials  on  the  passenger  trains  were  started  in February  2016.  Based  on  the  experience  gained  and  Independent Safety Assessment of the system by Independent Safety Assessor (ISA), three firms were approved in 2018-19, for supply of Kavach Ver 3.2.
4. iv) Kavach was adopted as National ATP system in July 2020.
- v) Implementation of Kavach System involves following Key Activities:
- a. Installation  of  Station  Kavach  at  each  and  every  station, block section.

- b. Installation of RFID Tags throughout the track length.
- c. Installation of telecom Towers throughout the section.
- d. Laying of Optical Fibre Cable along the track.
- e. Provision  of  Loco  Kavach  on  each  and  every  Locomotive running on Indian Railways.
5. vi) Based on deployment of Kavach version 3.2 on 1465RKm on south central  Railway,  lot  of  experience  was  gained.  Using  that  further improvements were made. Finally, Kavach specification version 4.0 was approved by RDSO on 16.07.2024.
6. vii) Kavach version 4.0 covers all the major features required for the diverse railway network. This is a significant milestone in safety for Indian  Railways.  Within  a  short  period,  IR  has  developed,  tested and started deploying Automatic Train Protection System.
7. viii) Major  improvement  in  Version  4.0  includes  increased  Location Accuracy, Improved Information of  Signal Aspects in bigger yard, Station to Station Kavach interface on OFC and Direct Interface to existing Electronic Interlocking System. With these improvements, Kavach Ver.4.0. is planned for large scale deployment over Indian Railways.
8. ix) Progress of  Key  items  comprising Kavach  system  on  Indian Railways upto Feb' 2025 is as under: -

| SN   | Items                                | Progress   |
|------|--------------------------------------|------------|
| i    | Laying of Optical Fibre Cable        | 5743 Km    |
| ii   | Installation of Telecom Towers       | 540 Nos.   |
| iii  | Provision of Kavach at Stations      | 664 Nos.   |
| iv   | Provision of Kavach in Loco          | 795 Locos  |
| v    | Installation of Track side equipment | 3727 Rkm   |

- x) Next phase of Kavach implementation is planned as under:-
- a. Project for equipping 10,000 Locomotives has been finalized. 69 number  of  loco  sheds  have  been  prepared  for  equipping  with Kavach.
- b. Bids  for  track  side  Works  of  Kavach  for  approximately  15,000 RKm have been invited covering all GQ, GD, HDN and identified sections  of  Indian  Railways,  out  of  which  works  of  1865  RKm have been awarded.
4. xi) Currently,  3  OEMs  are  approved  for  supply  of  Kavach  System.  To increase capacity and scale of implementation, trials and approval of more OEMs are at different stages.
5. xii) Specialized training programme on Kavach are being conducted at centralized training institutes of Indian Railways to impart training to  all  concerned  officials.  By  now  more  than  20,000  technicians, operators and engineers have been trained on Kavach technology. Courses have been designed in collaboration with IRISET.

## Recruitment:

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, 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 during 2020 to 2022.

| 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, 130581 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  2004-2005  to  20132014 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 (Safety-63669,  Non-Safety  28447)    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.

For  Five  notifications,  Computer  Based  Tests  (CBTs)  have  been completed  in  two  phases  from  25.11.2024  to  30.12.2024  and 02.03.2025 to 18.03.2025. The details are as under:-

| Exam                                                        | Candidates   |   Cities |   Centres |   Days |   Shifts |
|-------------------------------------------------------------|--------------|----------|-----------|--------|----------|
| 1 st Stage CBT for the post of ALP (18,799 vacancies)       | 18,40,347    |      156 |       346 |      5 |       15 |
| CBT for the post of RPF-SI (452 vacancies)                  | 15,35,635    |      143 |       306 |      5 |       15 |
| 1 st Stage CBT for the post of JE/DMS/CMA (7,951 vacancies) | 11,01,266    |      146 |       323 |      3 |        9 |

| CBT for the post of           | 26,99,892   | 139   | 312   | 9   | 27   |
|-------------------------------|-------------|-------|-------|-----|------|
| Technician (14,298 vacancies) |             |       |       |     |      |
| CBT for the post of           | 45,30,288   | 149   | 354   | 12  | 36   |

## Training:

As safe train operation is the top most priority of Indian Railways special emphasis is laid on the training of safety category employees. Detailed training modules including on Kavach system as  per  prescribed  periodicity  are  available  for  respective categories  at  initial  and  promotional  stages  along  with  refresher courses as well as specialized training courses, laying emphasis on practical aspects which help them in skill upgradation and assimilation with related advanced technology, keeping a focus on overall safety and passenger experience. These modules are also updated  keeping  in  view  the  technological  changes  in  working practice.

Training  Centres  located  all  over  Indian  Railways  impart  various type of trainings  i. e. Initial, Promotional, Refresher & Specialized:

- Initial Training - for the purpose of introducing the new entrants to the various facets of Railway operations and management.
- Promotional Training - for the purpose of preparing serving staff in advance for jobs of higher responsibilities.

- Refresher  Training  -  for  the  purpose  of  refreshing  the  serving employees periodically with new ideas and principles for improving efficiency in their jobs.
- Specialized Training - for the purpose of updating the knowledge of  technological  developments,  quantitative  techniques,  etc.  e.g. PRS, new locomotives, signalling system, Track Technology etc.

In  the  Last  5  years  (i.e.  from  2019-20  to  2023-24),  22,98,293 employees have undergone training viz. initial, promotional, refresher  &  specialized  training.  In  the  current  financial  year 4,44,475  employees  have  undergone  such  training  upto  February 2025.

Besides these training, some other / special courses are also run by the Training Institutes for non-gazetted staff on Indian Railways i.e. Training for Frontline Staff in Soft Skills, Customer Care Training, Disaster Management Training, Accident Investigation Programme for all Supervisors, Investigation for derailment for JE/SSE (P.Way), Train Parting Programme  for Drivers, Threat Perception and Emergency  Response,  Fire  Fighting  and  First  Aid  Skills,   Gender sensitization, Yoga and Meditation and other training etc.

Moreover, in  the  last  3  years  various  Training  Modules  have  also been  introduced  on  Indian  Railways.    Further,  training  modules along with training content on Kavach training for LP/ALP/CLI and staff of Traffic Department have recently been introduced on Indian Railways.

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