Lok Sabha Question No. 246 (STARRED), answered on 2025-12-17
Subject: Train Accidents in Southern Railway Zone
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Dr. Kalanidhi Veeraswamy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## STARRED QUESTION NO. 246 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.12.2025

## TRAIN ACCIDENTS IN SOUTHERN RAILWAY ZONE

- *246. DR. KALANIDHI VEERASWAMY:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether there has been increase in the number of train accidents in the Southern Railway zone particularly in Tamil Nadu during the last three years;
- (b) if  so,  the  details  of  such  accidents  including  the  number  of  casualties, causes and affected routes;
- (c) the reasons indentified for these accidents (e.g. human error, infrastructure failure, signal malfunction etc.);
- (d) whether  the  Government  has  taken  cognizance  of  the  delay  in  the implementation  of  the  Kavach  train  protection  system  in  Tamil  Nadu  and nearby railway zones and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e) the reasons for the delay and the timeline by which Kavach is expected to be fully implemented in the said zone?

## 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.

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (e)  OF  LOK  SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 246 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.12.2025.

(a)  to  (e):  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.

Number of Consequential Train Accidents has reduced as shown in the table below:-

| Year                | Consequential Accidents   |
|---------------------|---------------------------|
| 2014-15             | 135                       |
| 2025-26 (Till date) | 11 (90% lesser)           |

Another important index showing improvement in safety in train operations is Consequential Accidents Index, the details of which are as under:-

Consequential Accident Index:-

| Year    | Accident Index    |
|---------|-------------------|
| 2014-15 | 0.11              |
| 2024-25 | 0.03 (73% lesser) |

This  index  measures  number  of  consequential  accidents  as  a  ratio  of  total running Kilometers of all trains.

No. of consequential accidents

Accident Index=

No. of trains X million kilometers run

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The  causes  of  the  accidents  that  took  place  over  Indian  Railways  broadly include  track  defects,  loco/coach  defects,  equipment  failures,  human  errors, etc.

During the last three years, 3 consequential train accidents have taken place over  Southern Railway. No fatality took place in these 3 accidents. The year wise details are as under:-

| Year    |   Number of consequential accidents |
|---------|-------------------------------------|
| 2022-23 |                                   0 |
| 2023-24 |                                   2 |
| 2024-25 |                                   1 |
| Total   |                                   3 |

## The details of these accidents are as under:-

|   S. No. | Brief Description of Accident                                                                                                                                            |   Deaths |   Injuries |
|----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------|------------|
|        1 | Derailment of 1 coach of Train No. 43217 (Chennai Central Suburban-Tiruvallur) Local EMU between Basin Bridge and Vyasarpadi stations on Chennai Division on 11.06.2023. |        0 |          0 |
|        2 | Derailment of Loco of Train No. 06464 (Nilambur Road-Palakkad Jn.) Express between Kulukkalur and Vallapuzha stations on Palghat Division on 15.11.2023.                 |        0 |          0 |
|        3 | Rear end collision between Passenger Train No. 12578 (Mysuru-Darbhagna) Express and Goods Train at Kavaraippettai station on Chennai Division on 11.10.2024.             |        0 |          9 |

## Safety Measures:-

Various safety measures taken by Indian Railways 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 6,656 stations up to 31.10.2025 to reduce accidents due to human failure.
3. Interlocking  of  Level  Crossing  (LC)  Gates  has  been  provided  at  10,098 Level Crossing Gates up to 31.10.2025 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 6,661 stations up to 31.10.2025.
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. Initially, Kavach Version 3.2 was deployed on 1465 RKm of South Central Railway  and  80  RKm  of  North  Central  Railway.  Kavach  specification Version  4.0  was  approved  by  RDSO  on  16.07.2024.  After  extensive  and elaborate trials, Kavach Version 4.0 has been successfully commissioned on Palwal-Mathura-Kota-Nagda section (633 Rkm) on Delhi-Mumbai route and  on  Howrah-Bardhaman  section  (105  RKm)  on  Delhi-Howrah  route. Kavach implementation has been taken up in balance sections of DelhiMumbai  and  Delhi-Howrah  route.  Further,  Kavach  implementation  has been taken up on 15,512 RKm covering all GQ, GD, HDN and identified sections of Indian Railways.
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.
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
27. phased manner.
29. 28.
30. 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/Budget on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)   | Expenditure/Budget on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)   | Expenditure/Budget on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)   | Expenditure/Budget on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)   | Expenditure/Budget on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.)   |
|----------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2013-14                                                        | 2022-23                                                        | 2023-24                                                        | 2024-25                                                        | 2025-26                                                        |
| (Act.)                                                         | (Act.)                                                         | (Act.)                                                         |                                                                |                                                                |
| 39,463                                                         | 87,327                                                         | 1,01,651                                                       | 1,14,022                                                       | 1,16,470                                                       |

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:-

| S.No.         | Item                                                      | 2004-05 to 2013-14                      | 2014-15 to 2024-25                               | 2014-25 Vs. 2004-14                     |
|---------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Technological | Improvements                                              | Improvements                            | Improvements                                     | Improvements                            |
| 1.            | Use of high-quality rails (60 Kg) (Km)                    | 57,450 Km                               | 1.43 Lakh Km                                     | More than 2 times                       |
| 2.            | Longer Rail Panels (260m) (Km)                            | 9,917 Km                                | 77,522 Km                                        | Nearly 8 times                          |
| 3.            | Electronic Interlocking (Stations)                        | 837 Stations                            | 3,691 Stations                                   | More than 4 times                       |
| 4.            | Fog Pass Safety Devices (Nos.)                            | As on 31.03.14: 90 Nos.                 | As on 31.03.25: 25,939 Nos.                      | 288 times                               |
| 5.            | Thick Web Switches (Nos.)                                 | Nil                                     | 28,301 Nos.                                      |                                         |
|               | Better Maintenance Practices                              | Better Maintenance Practices            | Better Maintenance Practices                     | Better Maintenance Practices            |
| 1.            | Primary Rail Renewal (Track Km)                           | 32,260 Km                               | 49,941 Km                                        | 1.5 times                               |
| 2.            | USFD (Ultra Sonic Flaw detection) Testing of Welds (Nos.) | 79.43 Lakh                              | 2 Crore                                          | More than 2 times                       |
| 3.            | Weld failures (Nos.)                                      | In 2013-14: 3,699 Nos.                  | In 2024-25: 370 Nos.                             | 90 % reduction                          |
| 4.            | Rail fractures (Nos.)                                     | In 2013-14: 2,548 Nos.                  | In 2024-25: 289 Nos.                             | More than 88% 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 Km                               | 34,428 Km                                        | More than 2 times                       |
| 2.            | Flyovers (RoBs)/ Underpasses (RUBs) (Nos.)                | 4,148 Nos.                              | 13,808 Nos.                                      | More than 3 times                       |
| 3.            | Unmanned Level crossings (Nos.) on BG                     | As on 31.03.14: 8,948                   | As on 31.03.24: Nil (All eliminated by 31.01.19) | Removed                                 |
| 4.            | Manufacture of LHB Coaches (Nos.)                         | 2,337                                   | 42,677                                           | More than 18 times                      |

## Implementation of Kavach:-

1. 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. Kavach aids the Loco Pilot in running of trains 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. 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. Kavach was adopted as National ATP system in July 2020.
5. 5.
6. Implementation of Kavach system involves following key activities:-
- a. Installation of Station Kavach at each and every station, block section.
8. b.
9. c.
10. Installation of RFID Tags throughout the track length.
11. 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.
6. Based on deployment of Kavach version 3.2 on 1465 RKm on South Central Railway and experience gained, further improvements were made. Finally, Kavach specification version 4.0 was approved by RDSO on 16.07.2024.
7. 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, Indian Railways has developed, tested and started deploying Automatic Train Protection system.
8. Major  improvement  in  Version  4.0  includes  increased  Location  Accuracy, Improved Information of Signal Aspects in bigger yards, 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.
9. After extensive and elaborate trials, Kavach Version 4.0 has been successfully  commissioned  on  738  Route  Km  on  Palwal-Mathura-Nagda section (633 Rkm) on Delhi-Mumbai route and Howrah-Bardhaman section

(105 Rkm) on Delhi-Howrah route. Kavach implementation has been taken up in balance sections of Delhi-Mumbai & Delhi-Howrah corridors.

10. Progress  of  key  items  of  Kavach  on  High  density  routes  including  DelhiMumbai & Delhi-Howrah corridors are as under:-
11. Further,  track  side  Kavach  implementation  work  has  been  taken  up  on 15,512  RKm  covering  all  GQ,  GD,  HDN  and  identified  sections  of  Indian Railways.
12. The sections mentioned above also pass through State of Tamil Nadu.
13. Bids  have  been  invited  for  equipping  another  9,069  locomotives  with Kavach  version  4.0.  Kavach  is  being  provided  progressively  in  a  phased manner in locomotives.
14. Specialized training  programmes  on  Kavach  are  being  conducted  at centralized  training  institutes  of  Indian  Railways  to  impart  training  to  all concerned officials. By now, more than 40,000 technicians, operators and engineers  have  been  trained  on  Kavach  technology.  This  includes  30,000 Loco  Pilots  &  Assistant  Loco  Pilots.  Courses  have  been  designed  in collaboration with IRISET.
15. The  funds  utilized  on  Kavach  works  so  far  up  to  Oct'25  are  Rs.  2,354.36 Crore. The allocation of funds during the year 2025-26 is Rs. 1,673.19 Crore. Requisite funds are made available as per the progress of works.

| S.No.   | Item                                 | Progress     |
|---------|--------------------------------------|--------------|
| I.      | Laying of Optical Fibre Cable        | 7,129 Km     |
| II.     | Installation of Telecom Towers       | 860 Nos.     |
| III.    | Station Data Centre                  | 767 Stations |
| IV.     | Installation of Track side equipment | 5,672 RKm    |
| V.      | Provision of Kavach on Locos         | 4,154        |

*****