Lok Sabha Question No. 442 (STARRED), answered on 2025-04-02
Subject: Safety of Passengers
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Smt. Poonamben Hematbhai Maadam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 442 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.04.2025

## SAFETY OF PASSENGERS

- *442.  SMT. POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has a long-term strategy for maintaining and improving passenger safety;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has implemented measures to ensure the safety  of  vulnerable  children  at  railway  stations  and  for  women travelling alone;
- (d) if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether the personnel deployed for passengers safety are trained to handle sensitive cases involving women and children; and
- (f)
- if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) to (f): A Statement is laid on Table of the House. *****

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 442 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.04.2025

(a) to (f): 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 2024-25 as shown in the graph below.

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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 2024-25, indicating an improvement of approx. 73% during the said period.

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:

| 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                                                |

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.
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  DelhiMumbai  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  Signaling 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. Mechanization  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
2. 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 counseling 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   | Primary Rail 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                      |

'Police' and 'Public Order' are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to  the  Constitution  of  India  and,  therefore,  State  Governments  are responsible  for  prevention,  detection,  registration,  and  investigation  of crime and maintenance of law and  order on Railways through their law enforcement  agencies  viz.  Government  Railway  Police  (GRP)/District Police.  Railway  Protection  Force  (RPF)  supplements  the  efforts  of  GRP/ District  Police  to  provide  better  protection  and  security  to  railway property,  passenger  area  and  passengers  and  for  matters  connected therewith.

The following steps are being taken by the Railways in coordination with GRP for safety and security of passengers including children and women travelling alone in trains and at stations:-

1. Surveillance  is  kept  through  CCTV  cameras  provided  in  number  of coaches and at railway stations.
2. To  strengthen  the  surveillance  mechanism  at  sensitive  railway stations,  Integrated  Security  System  (ISS)  comprising  of  CCTV surveillance system, access control, personal and baggage screening system and bomb detection system has been installed at a number of stations across Indian Railways.
3. On vulnerable and identified routes/sections, trains are escorted by Railway Protection Force in addition to trains escorted by Government Railway Police of different States daily.
4. For  immediate  assistance  passengers  can  make  complaint  on  Rail Madad  Portal  directly  or  through  Helpline  Number  139  [integrated with Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) No.112].
5. Railways  are  in  regular  touch  with  passengers  through  various social media platforms like twitter & facebook to enhance security of passengers and to address their security concern.
6. Frequent announcements are made through Public Address System to educate passengers to take precautions against theft, snatching, drugging etc.
7. State  Level  Security  Committee  of  Railways  (SLSCR)  have  been constituted for all State/Union Territories under the Chairmanship of respective Director General of Police/Commissioner of States/Union Territories for regular monitoring and review of security arrangements of the Railways.

8. Under  'Meri  Saheli'  initiative,  focused  attention  has  been  provided for  safety  and  security  of  lady  passengers  travelling  alone  by  long distance trains for their entire journey i.e. from originating station to destination station.
9. An MoU has been signed between National Commission for Women (NCW) and RPF on 19.03.2024 for capacity building of RPF personnel to prevent crime against women.
10. Drives  are  conducted  against  entry  of  male  passengers  into  the compartment reserved for women and legal action is taken against the offenders.
11. Zonal  railways  have  been  instructed  for  deployment  of  proper combined  strength  of  male  &  female  RPF/RPSF  personnel  in  train escort parties, to the extent possible.
12. The  present  strength  of  women  personnel  in  RPF  is  9.5  percent which  is  highest  amongst    the  CAPFs  in  India.  These  women  RPF personnel  have  been  specially  trained  to  ensure  safety  and  to provide assistance to female passengers.
13. A reservation quota of six berths in sleeper class in long  distance Mail/Express  trains  and  a  reservation  quota  of  six  berths  in  3AC class  of  Garib  Rath/Rajdhani/Duronto/fully  air-conditioned  Express trains  for  female  passengers  irrespective  of  their  age  travelling alone or in a group of female passengers.
14. A combined reservation quota of six to seven lower berths per coach in  Sleeper  class,  four  to  five  lower  berths  per  coach  each  in  Air Conditioned 3 tier (3AC) and three to four lower berths per coach in Air  Conditioned  2  tier  (2AC)  classes  (depending  on  the  number  of coaches  of  that  class  in  the  train)  has  been  earmarked  for  senior citizens, female passengers 45 years of age and above and pregnant women.

15. Second class accommodation for women in the second Class-cumLuggage-cum  Guard's  Coach  (SLR)  in  most  of  the  long  distance Mail/Express trains.
16. Exclusive unreserved coaches/compartments for female passengers in EMU (Electrical Multiple Unit)/DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit)/MMTS(Multi Modal Transport System) trains & local passenger trains  depending  upon  demand  pattern  as  well  as  availability  of accommodation.
17. Running of ladies special EMU/MEMU/MMTS services on the suburban sections of Mumbai, Kolkata, Secunderabad and Chennai as well as on the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) sections.
18. RPF  has  established  more  than  750  Anti  Human  Trafficking  Units (AHTUs) over the Indian Railways at Post (Thana) level to counter human trafficking through Indian Railways.
5. In  coordination  with  Ministry  of  Women  and  Child  Development (MoWCD),  Child  Help  desks  (CHDs)  have  been  setup  at  various stations across the Indian Railway to safeguard children in need of care  and  protection.  These  CHDs  are  being  operated  by  District
19. Child Protection Units (DCPUs) at district level.

The Force personnel deployed for passengers safety are being trained in various  courses  i.e.  the  basic  training  Refresher  Course,  Promotion Course  and  Orientation  Course  on  regular  basis  to  handle  sensitive cases  involving  women  and  children.  These  trainings  are  imparted  in Central Training Institutes (CTIs) and Zonal Training Institutes (ZTIs) of

RPF.

A  3.5  hours  training  module  on  child  safety,  developed  by  National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), is also included as part  of  Course  Curriculum  Training  Programs  (during  initial/refresher/ promotional  courses)  so  that  Railway  staff  (especially  TTES,  RPF  & Station  Masters)  are  adequately  sensitized  on  lost  children  coming  in contact with Railways.

Besides, based on the report of the Committee formed on implementation  of  Action  Plan  on  safety  of  women  passengers  and children, all  Zonal  Railways /  PUs have been advised to implement the following:

1. Impart self defense training to women and children, wherever feasible.
2. Inclusion  of  sensitization  curriculum  in  regular  training  of Railway Staff.

Apart from these training, some other / special courses are also run by the Training Institutes for safety and frontline staff on Indian Railways such as Training for frontline staff in Soft Skills, Customer Care Training, Disaster Management Training, Threat Perception and Emergency Response, Fire Fighting and First Aid Skills, Gender sensitization etc.

*****