Lok Sabha Question No. 1823 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-10
Subject: Improved Railway Infrastructures
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Lalji Verma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1823

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.12.2025

## IMPROVED RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURES

- †1823. SHRI LALJI VERMA: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) the steps taken/being taken by the Government  to  improve  railway infrastructures in view of the various train accidents occurred in the year 2024; (b) whether the Government has found out any specific flaws/shortcomings in existing  safety  systems  and  if  so,  the  measures  taken/being  taken  to  mitigate them; (c) the scheme of the Government to fill the 1.5 lakh vacancies in the railway security  category  and  whether  the  recruitment  of  adequate  skilled  frontline security personnel is being ensured; and the timeline and strategy for recruiting and training of security personnel to
- (d) improve the safety and reliability of railway operations?

## ANSWER

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

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (d):  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 31 in 2024-25 as shown in the graph below.

It  may be noted that the Consequential Train Accidents during the period 2004-14 was 1711 (average 171 per annum), which has declined to 31 in 2024-25 and further to 10 in 2025-26 (upto November 2025).

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 2024-25, indicating an improvement of approx. 73% during the said period.

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Each  Rail  accident  is  inquired  into  either  by  the  Commission  of  Railway Safety,  a  statutory  body  under  Ministry  of  Civil  Aviation  or  by  the  Railway Departmental Inquiry Committees as per laid down norms. Appropriate action is taken by the respective Railway administration on the recommendations suggested by the agencies in their report.

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 accident 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  4.0has  been  successfully  commissioned  on  Palwal-Mathura-KotaNagda 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 Delhi-Mumbai 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/Hbeam  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 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.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              |
| 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 Cr.                                            | 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 |
| 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                      |

Occurrence and filling up of vacancies are continuous processes on Indian Railways  considering  its  size,  spatial  distribution  and  criticality  of  operation. Adequate and suitable manpower is provided to cater to the regular operations, changes in  technology,  mechanisation  and  innovative  practices.  The  vacancies are  filled  up  primarily  by  placement  of  indents  by  Railways  with  Recruitment agencies as per operational and technological requirements.

Presently, recruitment of 1,20,579 vacancies has been taken up on Indian Railways as per Annual Calendar 2024 and 2025.

During January to December 2024, ten Centralized Employment Notifications (CENs) for 92,116 vacancies were notified for filling up the posts of Assistant Loco Pilots (ALPs), Technicians, Sub-Inspectors, Constables in Railway Protection  Force  (RPF),  Junior  Engineers  (JEs)/  Depot  Material  Superintendent (DMS)/Chemical  &  Metallurgical  Assistant  (CMA),  Paramedical  Categories,  NonTechnical  Popular Categories  (Graduate),  Non-Technical  Popular  Categories (Under-Graduate), Ministerial & Isolated Categories and Level-1 Categories such as Assistants, Track Maintainers and Pointsman.

First stage/Single stage Computer Based Tests (CBTs) for 59,678 posts has been completed.  Details are as under:-

| Exam                                                        | Candidates   |   Cities |   Languages |
|-------------------------------------------------------------|--------------|----------|-------------|
| 1 st Stage CBT for the post of ALP (18,799 vacancies)       | 18,40,347    |      156 |          15 |
| CBT for the post of Technician (14,298 vacancies)           | 26,99,892    |      139 |          15 |
| 1 st Stage CBT for the post of JE/DMS/CMA (7,951 vacancies) | 11,01,266    |      146 |          15 |
| CBT for the post of RPF-SI (452 vacancies)                  | 15,35,635    |      143 |          15 |
| CBT for the post of RPF-Constable (4,208 vacancies)         | 45,30,288    |      147 |          15 |

| CBT for Paramedical Categories (1,376 vacancies)                                       | 7,08,321    | 143         | 15          |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|
| 1 st Stage CBT for Non-Technical Popular Categories (Graduate) (8,113 vacancies)       | 58,41,774   | 141         | 15          |
| 1 st Stage CBT for Non-Technical Popular Categories (Under Graduate) (3,445 vacancies) | 63,27,473   | 157         | 15          |
| CBT for Ministerial & Isolated Categories (1,036 vacancies)                            | 4,46,013    | 139         | 15          |
| Total number of candidates                                                             | 2,50,31,009 | 2,50,31,009 | 2,50,31,009 |

2 nd   stage  CBTs  for  the  posts  of  ALP,  JE/DMS/CMA  and  Non-Technical Popular Categories (Graduate) has also been completed.  Details are as under: -

| Exam                                                                             | Candidates   | Cities   | Languages   |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------|----------|-------------|
| 2 nd Stage CBT for the post of ALP (18,799 vacancies)                            | 2,66,363     | 112      | 15          |
| 2 nd Stage CBT for the post of JE/DMS/CMA (7,951 vacancies)                      | 1,17,339     | 118      | 15          |
| 2 nd Stage CBT for Non-Technical Popular Categories (Graduate) (8,113 vacancies) | 1,21,931     | 129      | 15          |
| Total number of candidates                                                       | 5,05,633     | 5,05,633 | 5,05,633    |

Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) for the  post  of  ALP  has  also  been completed. Details are as under:-

| Exam                                        | Candidates   |   Cities |   Languages |
|---------------------------------------------|--------------|----------|-------------|
| CBAT for the post of ALP (18,799 vacancies) | 1,32,044     |       84 |           2 |

CBT  for  32,438  vacancies  for  level-1  Categories  has  commenced  from 27.11.2025 in 140 cities in 15 languages. Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for 4,208 vacancies of Constable (RPF) has commenced from 13.11.2025.

Panels  for  more  than  23,000  candidates  for  various  posts  including  the posts of Technicians, Junior Engineers, Paramedical Categories, Sub-Inspectors (RPF)  and  Assistant  Loco  Pilots  have  been  finalised.    Majority  of  them  are  in safety categories.

In  addition,  as  per  Annual  Calendar  for  the  year  2025,  seven  Centralized Employment  Notifications  (CENs)  for  28,463  vacancies  have  also  been  issued. Details are as under:-

|   S. No. | CEN No.   | Post Name                                         | No. of Vacancie s notified   | Month of Notification   |
|----------|-----------|---------------------------------------------------|------------------------------|-------------------------|
|        1 | 01/2025   | Assistant Loco Pilots                             | 9,970                        | March 2025              |
|        2 | 02/2025   | Technicians                                       | 6,238                        | June 2025               |
|        3 | 03/2025   | Para-Medical Categories                           | 434                          | July 2025               |
|        4 | 04/2025   | Section Controllers                               | 368                          | August 2025             |
|        5 | 05/2025   | Junior Engineers / Depot Material Superintendent  | 2,585                        | October 2025            |
|        6 | 06/2025   | Non-Technical Popular Categories (Graduate)       | 5,810                        | October 2025            |
|        7 | 07/2025   | Non-Technical Popular Categories (Under-Graduate) | 3,058                        | October 2025            |

The  RRB  examinations  are  quite  technical  in  nature  entailing  large  scale mobilization of men and resources and training of manpower. Railway overcame all these challenges and successfully conducted the recruitment in a transparent manner following all laid down guidelines. No instance of paper leakage or similar malpractice has occurred during the entire process.

Recruitment done in Indian Railways during 2004-2005 to 2013-2014 vis-àvis during 2014-2015 to 2024-2025 is given as under :-

| Period                 | Recruitments*   |
|------------------------|-----------------|
| 2004-2005 to 2013-2014 | 4.11 lakh       |
| 2014-2015 to 2024-2025 | 5.08 lakh       |

Further, as system improvement, the Ministry of Railways has introduced a system  of  publishing  the  annual  calendar  from  2024  for  recruitment  to  various categories  of  Group  'C'  posts.  The  introduction  of  the  annual  calendar  is benefitting the aspirants in the following manner:-

-  More opportunities for candidates;
-  Opportunities to those becoming eligible every year;
-  Certainty of exams;
-  Faster Recruitment process, Training and Appointments;

As Safe train operation is the top most priority of Indian Railways, special emphasis is laid on the training of safety category employees. Detailed training modules including on Kavach system, as per prescribed periodicity, are available for  respective  categories  at  initial  and  promotional  stages  along  with  refresher courses  as  well  as  specialized  training  courses,  laying  emphasis  on  practical aspects  which  help  them  in  skill  upgradation  and  assimilation  with  related advanced technology, keeping a focus on overall safety and passenger experience. These modules are also updated keeping in view the technological changes in working practice.

Training  Centres  located  all  over  Indian  Railways  impart  various  types  of trainings, i.e., Initial, Promotional, Refresher & Specialized.

Initial  Training:-  for  the  purpose  of  introducing  the  new  entrants  to  the  various facets of Railway operations and management.

Promotional Training:-  for  the  purpose  of  preparing  serving  staff  in  advance  for jobs of higher responsibilities. Refresher Training:for the purpose of refreshing the serving employees periodically with new ideas and principles for improving efficiency in their jobs. Specialized Training:- for the purpose of updating the knowledge of technological developments, quantitative techniques, etc. e.g., PRS, new locomotives, signaling system, track technology, etc. To enhance railway security and build a safety-centric workforce, the RPF conducts specialized training for its personnel across key operational domains. These  include  counter-insurgency,  counter-terrorism,  crowd  management,  IED detection and response, relevant laws and Acts, and handling Left-Wing Extremism, Comprehensive pre-induction training, suburban security duties, and train-escorting practices further strengthen preparedness.

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