Mains Marathon

• Introduce the answer by mentioning some recent railway accidents in India with data.
• Discuss what are the reasons for railway accidents.
• Suggest measures to improve safety measures for railway.
• Conclude suitably.

Answer:

The recent Odisha accidents in India do raise concerns about the effectiveness of stringent safety measures implemented by the government. A government railway safety report for 2019-20 revealed that derailments constituted 70% of railway accidents, marking an increase from the previous year's 68%.

Reasons of railway accidents:

The CAG report 2022 highlighted several shortcomings in the safety of India’s railways that include:

• Derailments: Derailments have been a significant cause of railway accidents in India.
  • For example, the derailment of the Patna-Indore Express in November 2016 resulted in over 140 fatalities, raising questions about track maintenance and safety protocols.
• Lack of Modernization: The railways' infrastructure and technology are often criticized for being outdated, which can impact safety. The government's ability to modernize the railways and adopt advanced safety systems comes into question.
  • For instance, the use of outdated signaling systems might lead to avoidable accidents.
• Overcrowding and Safety: Overcrowding of trains is a common occurrence in India, particularly during peak seasons.
  • The Elphinstone Road station stampede in Mumbai in 2017 is an example of the consequences of overcrowding and inadequate crowd management.
• Delayed Maintenance and Upgrades: Delays in regular maintenance and upgrading of railway infrastructure can compromise safety.
  • The government's ability to allocate funds and ensure timely maintenance of tracks, bridges, and rolling stock is critical.
• Human Error: While safety measures and infrastructure are essential, human errors and negligence can also contribute to accidents. The government's role in providing comprehensive training to railway staff, enforcing safety protocols, and addressing issues of fatigue and stress is crucial.
  • The Odisha train derailment in 2023, which resulted from alleged track maintenance negligence, is an example of how human error can have catastrophic consequences.

Measures to improve safety measures in railway:

• Modernization of Infrastructure and Technology:
  • Implement advanced signaling systems like Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and Automatic Train Protection (ATP) to prevent collisions and derailments.
  • Upgrade tracks, bridges, and level crossings to ensure their structural integrity and reduce the risk of accidents.
  • Example: The Indian Railways' "Mission Raftaar" aims to increase the average speed of trains and improve track infrastructure to ensure safer and faster travel.
• Investment in Safety Measures:
  • Allocate adequate funds for safety-related initiatives to ensure timely maintenance and upgrades.
  • Increase investment in research and development to adopt innovative safety technologies.
  • Example: In the 2021-2022 budget, the Indian Railways allocated significant funds for safety-related projects, signaling its commitment to improving safety standards.
• Strengthening Training and Human Resource Development:
  • Conduct regular training programs for railway personnel to enhance their skills and raise safety awareness.
  • Implement fatigue management policies to prevent human errors caused by exhaustion.
  • Example: The Indian Railways has been organizing training sessions for its employees, including drivers and maintenance staff, to enhance their safety knowledge and skills.
• Enhanced Safety Audits and Regulatory Oversight:
  • Conduct regular safety audits of railway operations and infrastructure to identify potential hazards.
  • Strengthen regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with safety standards and protocols.
  • Example: The Indian Railways has set up the Rail Safety Directorate, responsible for overseeing and enforcing safety regulations across the network.
• Promotion of Safety Culture and Public Awareness:
  • Create public awareness campaigns about safety measures and the importance of following rules and guidelines.
  • Encourage a safety-first culture among railway staff and passengers.
  • Example: "Rail Humsafar Saptaah" is an annual event organized by the Indian Railways to promote safety awareness among passengers and railway employees.
• Kakodkar Committee (2012):
  • Creating a statutory Railway Safety Authority
  • Setting up a non-lapsable Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) of Rs. 1 lakh crores over 5 years for safety works
  • Adopting advanced technologies for track maintenance and inspection
• Bibek Debroy Committee (2014):
  • Separating railway budget from general budget
  • Outsourcing non-core activities
  • Creating a Railway Infrastructure Authority of India

Railway safety is an ongoing process that requires continuous improvement and vigilance. By implementing comprehensive safety measures and adhering to best practices, railways can ensure the safe and efficient transportation of passengers and goods, contributing to a more reliable and sustainable railway system.