Lok Sabha Question No. 3091 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-11
Subject: Safety Concerns on Chandigarh–Delhi Railway Track
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Manish Tewari

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3091 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.03.2026

## SAFETY CONCERNS ON CHANDIGARH DELHI RAILWAY TRACK

## 3091. SHRI MANISH TEWARI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  concerns  regarding  unsafe conditions  of  track  on  the  Chandigarh-Delhi  route  particularly relating to excessive bouncing, swaying and instability of trains at certain stretches and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether such conditions have been reported in premium trains such as the Delhi-Kalka Shatabdi Express and if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  complaints  of  these  safety  issues  were  brought  to  the notice of the Railways during the last one year and if so, the action taken thereon;
- (d)  whether  any  technical  inspection,  track  maintenance  audit/safety review has been conducted on the said route and if so, the findings thereof; and
- (e)  the  corrective  measures  being  undertaken  by  the  Government  to ensure  passenger  safety,  improve  track  quality  and  prevent  any potential accidents on said critical rail corridor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (e)  Safety  of  train  operation  is  accorded  top  priority  on  Indian Railways  (IR).  There  is  a  well-established  system  of  inspection  and maintenance  of  railway  tracks  as  prescribed  in  Indian  Railways Permanent Way Manual. The Chandigarh-Delhi route is also inspected

§

and  maintained  in  accordance  with  the  prescribed  provisions  and  is safe for running of trains at permitted speed.

The tracks on IR are regularly inspected by designated officials as per the laid down schedule. This includes daily patrolling, on-foot inspection, trolley inspection and foot plate/rear window inspection by the concerned  officials. Further, to assess the health of track geometry  objectively,  Track  Recording  Car  (TRC)  and  Oscillation Monitoring System (OMS) runs are conducted at scheduled frequencies. The entire railway network of Indian Railways is covered through TRC and OMS runs. Based on various inspections, necessary action is taken in a time bound manner to ensure safety of track.

Strengthening,  upgradation,  modernisation  and  improvement  of  track infrastructure is a continuous and ongoing process over Indian Railways. The following measures are being taken by Indian Railways to upgrade railway tracks:

- 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  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  260m  long  rail  panels  have  been  increased  to  avoid welding of joints, thereby improving safety and riding quality
- 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. Interlocking of Level Crossing (LC) Gates for enhancing safety at LC gates.
- x. Use  of  advanced  Phased  Array  technology  of  testing  of  rail  and welds.
- xi. Deployment  of  Integrated  Track  Monitoring  Systems  (ITMS)  and Oscillation  Monitoring  System  (OMS)  for  comprehensive  health assessment to ascertain optimal maintenance requirements.
- xii. Adoption  of  portable  Track  Measuring  Trolley  for  continuous recording of track parameters in yards.
- xiii. 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.

As a result of above measures, there has been significant increase in speed potential of the tracks. The details of speed potential of railway tracks during 2014 vis-a-vis 2026 are as under:

| Sectional Speed   | 2014     | 2014   | 2026 (up to Feb'26)   | 2026 (up to Feb'26)   |
|-------------------|----------|--------|-----------------------|-----------------------|
| (kmph)            | Track Km | %      | Track Km              | %                     |
| 130 & above       | 5,036    | 6.3    | 23,713                | 22.4                  |

| 110 - 130   | 26,409   |   33.3 | 62,036   |   58.7 |
|-------------|----------|--------|----------|--------|
| < 110       | 47,897   |   60.4 | 19,923   |   18.9 |
| Total       | 79,342   |  100   | 1,05,672 |  100   |

## Safety:

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.  Number  of Consequential Train Accidents has reduced as shown below:-

| Year                      | Consequential Accidents   |
|---------------------------|---------------------------|
| 2014-15                   | 135                       |
| 2025-26 (upto 28.02.2026) | 14 (90% lesser)           |

2025-26

<!-- image -->

Another  important  index  showing  improvement  in  safety  in  train operations  is  Consequential  Accident  Index.  This  index  measures

number  of consequential accidents as a ratio of total running Kilometers of all trains.

Accident Index   =

## The details are as under:-

| Year    | Accident Index    |
|---------|-------------------|
| 2014-15 | 0.11              |
| 2024-25 | 0.03 (73% lesser) |

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 6,665 stations up to 28.02.2026 to reduce accidents due to human failure.
3. Interlocking  of  Level  Crossing  (LC)  Gates  has  been  provided  at 10,153 Level Crossing Gates up to 28.02.2026 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 6,669 stations up to 28.02.2026.

| Expenditure/ Budget on Safety related activities (₹ in Crore)   | Expenditure/ Budget on Safety related activities (₹ in Crore)   | Expenditure/ Budget on Safety related activities (₹ in Crore)   | Expenditure/ Budget on Safety related activities (₹ in Crore)   | Expenditure/ Budget on Safety related activities (₹ in Crore)   |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2013-14                                                         | 2022-23                                                         | 2023-24                                                         | 2024-25                                                         | 2025-26                                                         |
| 39,200                                                          | 87,336                                                          | 1,01,662                                                        | 1,14,022                                                        | 1,17,693                                                        |

No. of consequential accidents

No. of trains X million kilometers run

5. Detailed instructions on issues related with safety of Signaling, e.g. mandatory correspondence check, alteration work protocol, preparation of completion drawing, etc. have been issued.
6. System of disconnection and reconnection for S&T equipment as per protocol has been re-emphasized.
7. All  locomotives are equipped with Vigilance Control Devices (VCD) to improve alertness of Loco Pilots.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Mechanisation of track laying activity through use of track machines like PQRS, TRT, T-28 etc. to reduce human errors.
12. Maximizing supply of 260m long rail panels for increasing progress of  rail  renewal  and  avoiding  welding  of  joints,  thereby  improving safety.
13. Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) testing of rails to detect flaws and timely removal of defective rails.
14. Laying  of  longer  rails,  minimizing  the  use  of  Alumino  Thermic Welding  and  adoption  of  better  welding  technology  for  rails  i.e., Flash Butt Welding.

15. Monitoring of track geometry by OMS  (Oscillation Monitoring System) and TRC (Track Recording Cars).
16. Patrolling of railway tracks to look out for weld/rail fractures.
17. The  use  of  Thick  Web  Switches  and  Weldable  CMS  Crossing  in turnout renewal works.
18. Inspections  at  regular  intervals  are  carried  out  to  monitor  and educate staff for observance of safe practices.
19. 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.
20. Detailed  instructions  on  issues  related  with  safety  of  Track,  e.g. integrated block, corridor block, worksite safety, monsoon precautions, etc. have been issued.
21. Preventive  maintenance  of  railway  assets  (Coaches  &  Wagons)  is undertaken to ensure safe train operations.
22. Replacement of conventional ICF design  coaches with LHB design coaches is being done.
23. All  unmanned  level  crossings  (UMLCs)  on  Broad  Gauge  (BG)  route have been eliminated by January 2019.
24. 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.
25. 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.

26. 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.
27. Regular counselling and training of staff is undertaken.
28. 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.

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  | Removed                                 |
| 4.                                      | Manufacture of LHB Coaches (Nos.)                         | 2,337 Nos.                              | 42,677                                  | More than 18 times                      |

## Implementation of Kavach:

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  trains  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.
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. Kavach was adopted as National ATP system in July, 2020.
5. Implementation of Kavach System involves following Key Activities:
- a. Installation  of  Station  Kavach  at  each  and  every  station,  block section.
- b. Installation of RFID Tags throughout the track length.
- c. Installation of telecom Towers throughout the section.
- d.
- Laying of Optical Fibre Cable along the track.
- e. Provision of Loco Kavach on each and every Locomotive running on Indian Railways.
6. Based on deployment of Kavach version 3.2 on 1465 RKm on South Central Railway and experience gained, 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 yards,

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. After  extensive  and  elaborate  trials,  Kavach  Version  4.0  has  been successfully commissioned on 1452 Route Kilometres, covering the high density Delhi- Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah routes as below:
10. Further, track side Kavach implementation work has been taken up on 24,427 RKM covering all GQ, GD, HDN and identified sections of  Indian  Railways.  These  sections  also  pass  through  the  State  of Tamil Nadu.
11. Progress of key items of Kavach on High density routes including Delhi-  Mumbai  &  Delhi-  Howrah  corridors  as  on  28.02.2026  is  as under:

| SN   | Section                                           | Progress (Route Km)   |
|------|---------------------------------------------------|-----------------------|
| (1)  | Delhi-Mumbai route:                               | Delhi-Mumbai route:   |
| i    | Junction cabin - Palwal - Mathura - Nagda section | 667                   |
| ii   | Vadodara - Ahmedabad section                      | 96                    |
| iii  | Vadodara - Virar section                          | 336                   |
| (2)  | Delhi - Howrah route:                             | Delhi - Howrah route: |
| i    | Gaya Sarmatanr section                            | 93                    |
| ii   | Chota Ambana - Bardhaman - Howrah section         | 260                   |

| S N   | Item                          | Progress   |
|-------|-------------------------------|------------|
| i     | Laying of Optical Fibre Cable | 8570 Km    |

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| ii   | Installation of Telecom Towers       | 1100 nos    |
|------|--------------------------------------|-------------|
| iii  | Station Data Centre                  | 767 station |
| iv   | Installation of Track side equipment | 6776 RKm    |
| v    | Provision of Kavach in Loco          | 4154 nos    |

12. In addition, work for installation of Kavach in 8979 Locomotives and 1200 EMU/ MEMU has been taken up.
13. Specialized training programmes on Kavach are being conducted at centralized  training institutes  of  Indian  Railways  to  impart training  to  all  concerned  officials.  By  now  more  than  55,000 technicians, operators and engineers have been trained on Kavach technology. This includes about 47,500 Loco Pilots & Assistant Loco Pilots. Courses have been designed in collaboration with IRISET.

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