Lok Sabha Question No. 643 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-23
Subject: Passenger Safety and Freight Network Expansion
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Rajmohan Unnithan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 643

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.07.2025

## PASSENGER SAFETY AND FREIGHT NETWORK EXPANSION

## 643. SHRI RAJMOHAN UNNITHAN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  major  modernisation  initiatives  are  planned  to  upgrade passenger  safety  measures,  including  signalling  systems  and station infrastructure, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the  Government  is  enhancing  dedicated  freight  corridor capacity to meet growing industry demands and reduce congestion on passenger lines, if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether new express or semi-high-speed trains are being introduced  on  high-demand  routes  to  improve  connectivity  and travel efficiency and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND

ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) to  (c)  : 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  6,635  stations  up  to 30.06.2025 to eliminate accident due to human failure.
3. Interlocking  of  Level  Crossing  (LC)  Gates  has  been  provided  at 11,096 level Crossing Gates up to 30.06.2025 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 6,640 stations up to 30.06.2025.
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 RKm). Track side works on these routes have been completed on about 2200 RKm as on 30.06.2025. 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.
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 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.

| 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                                                |

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 Mar 25)   | 2014-25 Vs. 2004-14        |
|----------------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------|-------------------------------------|----------------------------|
| Technological improvements | Technological improvements             | Technological improvements | Technological improvements          | Technological 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 31.01.25: 25,939              | 288 times                  |
| 5                          | Thick Web Switches (Nos.)              | Nil                        | 28,301 nos.                         |                            |

| Better maintenance practices            | 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: 3699 nos.                   | In 2024-25: 370 nos.                             | 90% reduction                           |
| 4                                       | Rail fractures (Nos.)                                     | In 2013-14: 2548 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          | Better infrastructure and Rolling stock |
| 1                                       | New Track KM added (Track km)                             | 14,985 nos.                             | 34,428 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.                              | 42,677                                           | More than 18 times                      |

Moreover, as regard the station infrastructure, to enhance the safety of passengers at stations, following steps are being taken by railways:

1. Creation of permanent holding areas at 73 identified stations:
- i. During  the  festival  season  of  2024,  holding  areas  were  created outside  stations.  These  waiting  areas  were  able  to  hold  large crowds  at  Surat,  Udhna,  Patna  and  New  Delhi.  Passengers  were allowed only when the train came to the platform.
- ii. Similar  arrangements  were  made  during  Mahakumbh  at  nine stations of Prayag area.
- iii. Based on the experience of these stations, it has been decided to create  permanent  waiting  areas  outside  stations  at  73  stations across the country which periodically faces heavy crowds. Crowd build up will be controlled within the waiting area. Passengers will

be  allowed  to  go  to  platforms  only  when  the  trains  arrive  at  the platform. This will decongest the platforms.

- iv. Pilot  projects  have  been  started  at  New  Delhi,  Anand  Vihar, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Ghaziabad stations.

## 2. Access control:

- i. Complete  access  control  will  be  initiated  at  the  73  identified stations.
- ii. Passengers with confirmed reserve tickets will be given direct access to the platforms.
- iii. Passengers without a ticket or with a waiting list ticket will wait in the outside waiting area.
- iv. All unauthorized entry points will be sealed.
3. Wider foot-over-bridges (FOB):

Two new designs of 12 meter wide (40 feet) and 6 meter wide (20 feet)  standard  FOB  have  been  developed.  These  wide  FOBs  with during Mahakumbh. These new standard wide FOBs will be installed in all ramps were very effective in crowd management the stations.

## 4. Cameras:

Cameras helped crowd management in a big way during Mahakumbh.  CCTV  cameras  at  Railway  Stations  and  adjoining areas  will  aid  close  monitoring  and  management  of  crowd  at Railway Station.

## 5. War rooms:

War  rooms  at  large  stations  will  be  developed.  Officers  of  all departments will work in the war room during crowd situations.

6. New generation communication equipment:

Latest design digital communication equipment like walkie-talkies, announcement  systems,  calling  systems  will  be  installed  on  all heavy crowd stations.

Ministry of Railways has taken up construction of two Dedicated Freight Corridors  (DFC)  viz.  Eastern  Dedicated  Freight  Corridor  (EDFC)  from Ludhiana  to  Sonnagar  (1337  Km)  and  the  Western  Dedicated  Freight Corridor  (WDFC)  from  Jawaharlal  Nehru  Port  Terminal  (JNPT)  to  Dadri (1506 Km). Out of total 2843 Km, 2741 Route kilometers (96.4%) have been  commissioned  and  operational,  which  -  carried  130116  freight trains during FY 2024-25. Indian Railways is working on increasing the capacity of its network through Corridors approach. Corridors like HDN (High Traffic Density), Energy, Minerals and Cement are being implemented on priority.

Indian  Railways  (IR)  constantly  endeavors  to  improve  connectivity  to facilitate passengers  inter  alia  by introducing  new  train  services, including Passenger trains services/Express services and also by operating  Semi-high  Speed  train  services  like  Vande  Bharat,  Amrit Bharat, Namo Bharat Rapid Rail services.  This is an ongoing process on Indian  Railways  subject  to  traffic  justification,  operational  feasibility, resource availability etc. Accordingly, during 2024-25 and 2025-26 (up to 15 July 2025), 182 New train services including 42  Vande Bharat,  02 Amrit Bharat, 04 Namo Bharat Rapid Rail services have been introduced on the IR network.

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