Lok Sabha Question No. 4249 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-26
Subject: Mechanisms to Minimise Rail Accidents
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Ms. S Jothimani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4249 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.03.2025

## MECHANISMS TO MINIMISE RAIL ACCIDENTS

4249. MS. S JOTHIMANI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of rail accidents reported during the last five years, including the number of casualties, causes thereof and the regions most affected;
- (b) the  measures  taken  by  the  Government  to  enhance  railway  safety  and accident prevention, including the status of implementation of Kavach (Train Collision Avoidance System) and track modernization;
- (c) whether any recent investigations have identified human error, infrastructure  failure  or  technical  malfunctions  as  the  primary  cause  of  rail accidents, if so, the corrective actions taken by the Government;
- (d) the details of compensation provided to the victims of railway accidents including steps taken to expedite the claims process for affected families; and
- (e) whether the Government has introduced any new policies, safety audits or  emergency  response  mechanisms  to  minimize  rail  accidents  and  improve disaster management, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(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.  Consequential  Train  Accidents have reduced from 135 in 2014-15 to 30 in 2024-25 (till date) as shown in the graph below.

It may be noted that the consequential train accidents during the period 200414 was 1711 (average 171 per annum), which has declined to 30 in 2024-25 (till date).

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.

The  number  of  consequential  train  accidents  during  the  last  five  years  are depicted in the graph below:-

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Consequential  Train  Accidents  on  Indian  Railways  and  casualties  (including railway passengers and railway personnel) therein are as follows:-

| Period             |   No. of Consequential Train Accidents |   No. of Deaths |   No. of Injuries |
|--------------------|----------------------------------------|-----------------|-------------------|
| 2004-05 to 2013-14 |                                   1711 |             904 |              3155 |
| 2014-15 to 2023-24 |                                    678 |             748 |              2087 |

The causes of train accidents on Indian Railways broadly include track defects, Loco/Coach defects, equipment failures, human errors etc.

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 when a decree is awarded by Hon'ble RCT in favour of the claimant and Railways decide to implement the decree.

The  amount  of  compensation  paid  by  the  Railways  to  the  next  of  kin of deceased  and  injured  victims  in  train  accidents  during  the  last  five  years (2019-20 to 2023-24) is Rs. 30.13 Crore (Death cases- Rs. 24.15 Crore and Injury cases- Rs. 5.98 Crore).

It  may  be  noted  that  the  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.

The various safety measures including track modernization 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.
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.
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
22. 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.
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

| 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 |

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                      |

Regarding implementation of Kavach (Automatic Train Protection System) on Indian Railways:-

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  train  within  specified  speed limits by automatic application of brakes in case Loco Pilot fails to do so and also helps the train 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. 4.
5. Kavach was adopted as National ATP system in July 2020.
5. Implementation of Kavach System involves following Key Activities:
7.  Installation  of  Station  Kavach  at  each  and  every  station,  block section.
8. 
9. Installation of RFID Tags throughout the track length.
10. 
11. 
12. Installation of telecom Towers throughout the section.
13. Laying of Optical Fibre Cable along the track.
14.  Provision of Loco Kavach on each and every Locomotive running on Indian Railways.
6. Based on deployment of Kavach version 3.2 on1465 RKm 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.
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,  IR  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 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.
9. Progress  of  Key  items  comprising  Kavach  system  on  Indian  Railways upto Feb' 2025 is as under: -
10. Next phase of Kavach implementation is planned as under:-
20. (i)  Project  for  equipping  10,000  Locomotives  has  been  finalized.  69 number of loco sheds have been prepared for equipping with Kavach.
21. (ii)  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.
11. 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.
12. 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.

| S.No.   | 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   |

Regular inspections are carried out by railway officials as per the prescribed schedule.  Besides,  safety  audits  and  safety  drives  on  specific  issues  of significance are also conducted from time to time.

Indian Railways is always prepared to respond in a quick and effective manner in case of any accident. In case of major train accidents the first responders are  the  railway  staff  on-board  the  train.  They  are  trained  in  handling  such emergencies.  Immediately  on  receipt  of  information  regarding  a  major  train accident, Indian  Railways  responds  immediately  utilizing its  own  setup, equipment, doctors and staff also coordinating with the state government and the district administration to start carrying out rescue and relief immediately. The  initial  focus  is  on  saving  lives,  attending  to  the  injured  and  providing succor to stranded passengers. For  rescue,  relief  and  restoration,  Indian  Railways  has  a  well-established rescue, relief and restoration mechanisim. This consists of 113 well equipped self-propelled  Accident  relief  Trains  (SPARTs),  177  well  equipped  Accident Relief  Trains  (ARTs)  and  57  well  equipped  Accident  Relief  Medical  vans (ARMVs), and 97 breakdown cranes (140-Tonne Capacity) placed at identified locations which cover the entire rail network. These  are  operated  by  competent  staff  well  -  trained  for  handling  these equipments. Additional equipment like road machinery, earthmovers, ambulances,  buses  etc  are  also  requisitioned  as  required  for  attending  to accidents.  Roles  of  every  officer  and  staff  for  responding  immediately  and effectively in case  of  an  accident have  been  laid  down  and  they  are appropriately trained and empowered to discharge their duties. In  addition,  Zonal  Railways  regularly  conduct  mock  drills.  These  mock  drills also involve other agencies such as NDRF, Civil Defence, Fire Brigade, Police Authorities,  State  Disaster  Response  Force  and  Medical  teams,  towards preparedness for immediate rescue and relief after the accidents. These drills are  conducted  to  ensure  full  preparedness  and  to  maintain  operational readiness  of  the  disaster  response  teams,  institutional  mechanisms,  and equipment.

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