Lok Sabha Question No. 2880 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-17
Subject: Upgraded Railway Tracks in Tamil Nadu
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Malaiyarasan D

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2880 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.12.2025

## UPGRADED RAILWAY TRACKS IN TAMIL NADU

## 2880.     SHRI MALAIYARASAN D:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the number of railway tracks upgraded during the last five years within Tamil Nadu including electrification, signaling improvements  and  track  renewal  particularly  in  the  Kallakurichi  Lok Sabha constituency;
- (b) the  details  of  the  steps  taken  to  ensure  passenger  safety  and reduction of accidents during and after track upgradation;
- (c) whether  modern  technologies  like  long  welded  rails,  high-speed track  monitoring  and  automated  track  inspection  systems  are  being deployed and if so, the details thererof;
- (d) the  details  of  the  initiatives  taken  to  enhance  speed  and  freight capacity on upgraded routes; and
- (e) the details of the plans for maintenance and periodic inspection of upgraded tracks to ensure long-term reliability?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) to (e) Upgradation and improvement of railway infrastructure on Indian Railways  have  been  carried  out  in  a  big  way  during  last  11  years.  The

following measures are being taken by Indian Railways to modernise and upgrade tracks, signalling system etc:

- i. Modern  track  structure  consisting  of  60kg,  90  Ultimate  Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, Wider and heavier Pre-stressed Concrete Sleepers (PSC) with elastic  fastening,  fan-shaped  layout  turnout  on PSC sleepers  and  Steel  Channel/H-beam  Sleepers  on  girder  bridges are being used while carrying out primary track renewals.
- ii. The Thick Web Switches and Weldable CMS Crossings are being used in turnout renewal works.
- iii. Supply of 130m/260m long rail panels have been increased to avoid welding of joints, thereby improving safety.
- iv. Thick Web Switch Expansion Joints are being used in place of earlier Conventional/Improved SEJs.
- v. Adoption  of  better  welding  technology  for  rails  i.e.  Flash  Butt Welding.
- vi. Adoption  of  mechanized  system  for  track  maintenance  using  high output  plain  tampers  and  points  &  crossing  tampers  for  improved maintainability & reliability of track.
- vii. Deployment of state-of-the-art modern machines including Rail Grinding Machines to further improve asset reliability.
- viii. Mechanisation of track laying activities through use of track machines like PQRS, TRT, T-28 etc.
- ix. Use  of  advanced  Phased  Array  technology  of  testing  of  rail  and welds..
- x. Deployment  of  Integrated  Track  Monitoring  Systems  (ITMS)  and Oscillation Monitoring System (OMS) for comprehensive health
11. assessment to ascertain optimal maintenance requirements.
- xi. Adoption of portable Track Measuring Trolley for continuous recording of track parameters in yards.
- xii. Using web enabled Track Management System (TMS) for integration and data analytics of the track inspection records received through various sources to enable precise maintenance inputs.
- xiii. Electrical/Electronic Interlocking Systems with centralized operation of points and signals in place of old mechanical signalling have been provided at 6656 stations as on 31.10.2025.
- xiv. Interlocking of Level Crossing Gates (LC) has been provided at 10098 Level  Crossing  Gates  upto  31.10.2025  for  enhancing  safety  at  LC Gate.
- xv. Axle counters for automatic clearance of Block Section, BPAC (Block Proving Axle Counter) are provided to ensure complete arrival of train without manual intervention before granting line clear to receive next train  and  to  reduce  human  element.  These  systems  have  been provided on 6142 Block Sections up to 31.10.2025.
- xvi. Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) that enhances line capacity within existing  track  infrastructure  has  been  provided  at  6341  Route  km upto 31.10.2025.

As a result of above measures, there has been a significant increase in the speed potential of the rail network. The details of speed potential of entire  railway  network  over  Indian  Railways  during  2025  vis-a-vis  2014 are as under:

| Sectional Speed   | 2014     | 2014   | 2025 (up to Nov'25)   | 2025 (up to Nov'25)   |
|-------------------|----------|--------|-----------------------|-----------------------|
| (kmph)            | Track Km | %      | Track Km              | %                     |
| 130 & above       | 5,036    | 6.3    | 23,010                | 21.8                  |
| 110 - 130         | 26,409   | 33.3   | 60,726                | 57.5                  |
| < 110             | 47,897   | 60.4   | 21,936                | 20.8                  |
| Total             | 79,342   | 100    | 1,05,672              | 100                   |

Sections having speed potential of 130 kmph in Tamil Nadu are as under:

-  Chennai - Arambakkam (Chennai - Gudur route)
-  Chennai - Arakkonam - Katpadi - Jolarpettai
-  Arakkonam - Ponpadi (Arakkonam - Renigunta route)
-  Jolarpettai - Patchur (Jolarpettai - Bengaluru)

The  railway  line  from  Salem  to  Vridhachalam  junction  passes  through Kallakurichi constituency in Tamil Nadu. The speed potential of this line has been upgraded to 110 kmph. Electrification work of this line has been completed.

## Safety in train operations

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.

Index = No. of consequential accidents

## No. of trains X million kilometers

run

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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  6,656  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.
6. After  extensive  and  elaborate  trials,  Kavach  Version  4.0has  been successfully  commissioned  onPalwal-Mathura-Kota-  Nagda  section  ( 633Rkm) on Delhi- Mumbai route and  on Howrah-Bardhaman section ( 105RKm)on  Delhi-Howrah  route.  Kavach  implementation  has  been taken up in balance sections of Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah route. Further,  Kavach  implementation  has  been  taken  up  on  15,512  RKm

| 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                                                       |

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.
10. Laying of longer rails, minimizing the use of Alumino Thermic Welding and  adoption  of  better  welding  technology  for  rails  i.e.,  Flash  Butt
15. Welding.
16. Monitoring of track geometry by OMS (Oscillation Monitoring System) and TRC (Track Recording Cars).
13. 17.
14. 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 counselling and training of staff is undertaken.
26. 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
29. 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:-

| S.N.                                    | Item                                                      | 2004-05 to 2013-14                      | 2014-15 to 2024-25                              | 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 31.03.25: 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                    | 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 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 Nos.                              | 42,677                                          | More than 18 times                      |

In  order to enhance speed and freight capacity, the following measures have been taken by Indian Railways:

- i. Introduction of new wagon designs. BOSM wagon for transportation of  bulk  commodities  as  well  as  point  load  commodities  like  steel coils and ACT1 wagon for transportation of automobiles particularly SUVs have been introduced.
- ii. Regular production of stainless steel body BOBSNS wagon used for iron  ore  transport commenced which has 11% higher throughput as compared to existing BOBSN rake.
- iii. Flat  Multipurpose  Wagon  for  transportation  of  automobiles,  trucks, military equipment, steel coils etc. has been introduced.
- iv. Enhanced loading in upper deck of double stack container has been permitted enhancing loading in upper deck from approx. 26t to 30.5t.
- v. Ensuring increased availability of rakes/wagons against demand.
- vi. Increasing  the  loadability  for  carrying  additional  traffic  per  wagon. Length of freight trains has also been increased to increase throughput per train.
- vii. For  increasing  network  capacity  multi  tracking  on  busy  sections. ROR, bypass on busy junctions are being taken up.
- viii. Use  of  Information  Technology  in  freight  operations  to  improve monitoring and utilization of assets.
- ix. Induction of higher horsepower locomotives.
- x. Induction of higher capacity and high speed wagons.
- xi. Improvement  in  maintenance  practices  of  wagons  and  locomotives resulting in increased availability of loco and rolling stock for traffic use.
- xii. Improvement in track and signalling to carry higher volume of traffic.
- xiii. Training staff and officers to adopt the new  technology management practices.

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