Lok Sabha Question No. 4228 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-26
Subject: TPWS failure for Slowdown in Speed of Vande Bharat/Gatiman/Shatabdi Express
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Sasikanth Senthil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4228 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.03.2025

## TPWS FAILURE FOR SLOWDOWN IN SPEED OF VANDE BHARAT/GATIMAN/SHATABDI EXPRESS

4228. SHRI SASIKANTH SENTHIL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  details  of  the  number  of  Vande  Bharat  Express  trains  currently operational in the Country;
- (b) the details of maximum operating speed of each Vande Bharat Express train, route-wise;
- (c) the details of reasons for the recent decision to reduce the operating speed of certain Vande Bharat, Gatiman and Shatabdi Express trains;
- (d)  whether  this  decision,  citing  TPWS  failures,  indicates  a  lack  of adequate investment in and maintenance of critical railway infrastructure, thereby jeopardizing passenger safety and comfort, if so, the details thereof;
- (e)  the  reasons  for  opting  for  a  simplistic  solution  like  speed  reduction instead  of  proactively  addressing  the  root  causes  of  TPWS  failures  and ensuring the reliability of safety systems; and
- (f) whether the Government plans to implement any measures to improve the overall safety and reliability of train operations in the Country, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (f)  Presently, 136  Vande Bharat train services, having Chair Cars, are operational on the Indian Railways network.

No. of Consequential Train Accidents

135

Speed  of  train  services,  including  of  Vande  Bharat  se Services  and  Shatabdi  Services,  is  dependent  on  various  factors  like Maximum  Permissible  speed  of  the  sections,  gradient  of  the  sections enroute, speed potential of rolling stock/Loco, availability of path, speed restrictions on account of of  stoppages  etc.  To  optimally  utilize  the  speed  potential  of  the  Vande Bharat Coaches, all the Vande Bharat Express trains have been charted at the Maximum Permissible Speed of the sections enroute. Speed  of  train  services,  including  of  Vande  Bharat  se Services  and  Shatabdi  Services,  is  dependent  on  various  factors  like Maximum  Permissible  speed  of  the  sections,  gradient  of  the  sections enroute, speed potential of rolling stock/Loco, availability of path, speed restrictions on account of maintenance works, signalling system, number of  stoppages  etc.  To  optimally  utilize  the  speed  potential  of  the  Vande Bharat Coaches, all the Vande Bharat Express trains have been charted at the Maximum Permissible Speed of the sections enroute. Speed  of  train  services,  including  of  Vande  Bharat  services,  Gatiman Services  and  Shatabdi  Services,  is  dependent  on  various  factors  like Maximum  Permissible  speed  of  the  sections,  gradient  of  the  sections enroute, speed potential of rolling stock/Loco, availability of path, speed maintenance works, signalling system, number of  stoppages  etc.  To  optimally  utilize  the  speed  potential  of  the  Vande Bharat Coaches, all the Vande Bharat Express trains have been charted at the Maximum Permissible Speed of the sections enroute. 55 22 year year Feb.'25)

Further, 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 (Upto February, 2025) as shown in the graph below. The causes of these accidents broadly include track defects, Loco/Coach defects, equipment failures, human errors, etc. 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  the  year (Upto February, 2025) as shown in the graph below. The causes of these accidents broadly include track defects, Loco/Coach defects, equipment failures, human errors, etc. 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 the  year  2024-25 (Upto February, 2025) as shown in the graph below. The causes of these accidents broadly include track defects, Loco/Coach defects, equipment

It may be noted that the consequential train accidents during the 2004-14 was 1711 (average 171 per annum), which has declined to 30 in 2024-25 (till date). It may be noted that the consequential train accidents during the 14 was 1711 (average 171 per annum), which has declined to 30 in It may be noted that the consequential train accidents during the period 14 was 1711 (average 171 per annum), which has declined to 30 in

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 73% during the said period. Another  important  index  showing  improved  safety  in  train  operations  is Accidents Per Million Train Kilometer (APMTKM) which has reduced from to 0.03 in 2023-24, indicating an improvement of approx. 73% during the said period. Another  important  index  showing  improved  safety  in  train  operations  is Accidents Per Million Train Kilometer (APMTKM) which has reduced from 24, indicating an improvement of approx.

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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.
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 1969 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, fanshaped layout turnout on PSC sleepers,  Steel  Channel/H-beam  Sleepers  on  girder  bridges  is  used while carrying out primary track renewals. track
12. Mechanisation  of track laying activity through use of 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
9. 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 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 on Safety related activities            | Expenditure on Safety related activities   | Expenditure on Safety related activities   | (₹ in Cr.)       | (₹ in Cr.)   | (₹ in Cr.)   |
|-----------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|------------------|--------------|--------------|
|                                                     | 2013-14 (Actual)                           | 2022-23 (Actual)                           | 2023-24 (Actual) | 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  imporovements,  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                      |

The Status of implementation of Kavach is as under:-

- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
7. b)
8. Installation of RFID Tags throughout the track length.
9. c)
10. d)
11. Installation of telecom Towers throughout the section.
12. Laying of Optical Fibre Cable along the track.
- e) Provision  of  Loco  Kavach  on  each  and  every  Locomotive running on Indian Railways.
- vi. Based  on  deployment  of    Kavach  version  3.2  on  1465  RKm  on south central Railway, lot of experience was gained. Using that further  improvements  were  made.  Finally,  Kavach  specification
15. version 4.0 was approved by RDSO on 16.07.2024.
16. 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.
17. vii.
- viii. Major  improvement  in  Version  4.0  includes  increased  Location Accuracy, Improved Information of Signal Aspects in bigger yard,
19. 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.

- ix. Progress  of  Key  items  comprising  Kavach  system  on  Indian Railways upto Feb' 2025 is as under: -

5743 Km

| 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.
- 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.
- 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.

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