Indian Railways reports 29 train accidents in 8 months; Govt cites equipment failures, sabotage as key causes

A total of 29 train accidents occurred in the ongoing financial year up to November 26, resulting in 17 fatalities and 71 injuries. The information was shared by Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on November 29.

Accident Trends and Causes

Minister Vaishnaw provided month-wise details of these accidents in response to DMK MP Kanimozhi’s questions on the number of train accidents, including those involving goods trains, and their causes.

He revealed that the accidents were attributed to various factors such as equipment failure, environmental conditions, human errors, and sabotage. Each incident has been subject to inquiry by statutory bodies to identify causes and recommend preventive measures.

The minister emphasised a significant decline in train accidents over the years due to robust safety measures.

• Accidents from 2004-14: 1,711 (average 171 per year).

• Accidents from 2014-24: 678 (average 68 per year), reflecting a 60% reduction.

• In 2014-15: 135 accidents were reported, while in 2023-24, the number dropped to 40.

This decline highlights the impact of increased safety initiatives and technological advancements in railway operations.

Safety Investigations

The inquiries into accidents are carried out by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (under the Ministry of Civil Aviation) and Departmental Inquiry Committees (adhering to established norms).

The findings and recommendations from these investigations have led to actionable measures to prevent future incidents. The detailed reasons for the 29 accidents include human and environmental factors alongside technical failures.

Investments in Safety

The Railways has significantly ramped up expenditure on safety measures in recent years:

• Expenditure in 2023-24: Rs 1,01,651 crore.

• Focus Areas: Maintenance of permanent way, rolling stock, motive power, and deployment of advanced machines.

The increased budget underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing safety standards across the railway network.

Compensation for Victims

Although the minister did not specify compensation details in this particular reply, compensation for victims of train accidents is a standard practice. Compensation amounts depend on the severity of injuries or fatalities and are guided by established norms.

Reiterating the government’s dedication, Vaishnaw stated: “Safety is accorded the highest priority on Indian Railways.”

He outlined the multiple initiatives implemented to enhance safety, ensuring the well-being of passengers and minimising the risk of accidents in train operations.

With continued investment in safety infrastructure, technological upgrades, and stringent inquiry processes, Indian Railways aims to further reduce accident rates and enhance passenger trust. The decline in accidents is a testament to the growing emphasis on a safer and more reliable rail network.