Railway Safety

CONTEXT :  A devastating train crash occurred in the eastern Indian state of Odisha.

WHAT HAPPENED IN RECENT RAILWAY ACCIDENT?

1. The crash involved three trains: Coromandel Express, Howrah Superfast Express, and two stationary goods trains.
2. The exact cause of the crash is not yet clear.
3. The crash took place near the Bahanaga Bazar station, about 270km (170 miles) south of Kolkata.
4. The Coromandel Express, traveling from Shalimar railway station in West Bengal to Chennai, collided with a stationary goods train.
5. The impact caused 21 carriages of the Coromandel Express to derail.
6. As the crash happened, the Howrah Super-fast Express was passing in the opposite direction and was also affected.
7. The crash resulted in the death of 275 people and left over 1,000 injured, many of them seriously.
8. The goods train was loaded with iron ore, which intensified the impact of the collision.

Further details and investigations are underway to determine the full sequence of events leading to the accident.

WHY RAILWAY SAFETY IS IMPORTANT?

7. High volume of passengers: With nearly 3.5 billion people traveling annually, Indian Railways carries a massive volume of passengers. Ensuring safety is paramount to protect the lives and well-being of these passengers. For example, the Amritsar train accident in 2018 resulted in over 60 fatalities and numerous injuries, highlighting the need for robust safety measures.
8. Economic impact: Indian Railways plays a vital role in the country’s economy by facilitating the movement of goods and people. Any safety-related disruptions or accidents can lead to significant economic setbacks. For instance, a train derailment in 2017 caused substantial losses to businesses and affected industries relying on the timely delivery of goods.
9. Lifeline for economic migrants: Trains serve as a lifeline for millions of economic migrants in India. The ability to travel by train allows them to seek better economic opportunities and contribute to their home states through remittances. Ensuring their safety is crucial for their well-being and the economic development of the regions they migrate to.
10. Reputation and public trust: The safety of Indian Railways is vital for maintaining the public’s trust and confidence in the system. Instances of accidents or safety lapses can erode the reputation of the railways and lead to passengers losing faith in the reliability and security of train travel. Building and maintaining public trust is crucial for the sustainable growth of the railways.
11. International comparison: Indian Railways is often compared to railways in developed countries, which have demonstrated high safety standards. Emphasizing safety is not only crucial for passenger well-being but also for aligning with global best practices and enhancing India’s image on the international stage.
12. Connectivity: Indian Railways serves as a lifeline for connectivity, allowing people from different regions to access opportunities for economic growth and development. Safety is essential for fostering economic development, enabling the seamless movement of goods, and attracting investments in various sectors.
13. Regulatory compliance: Safety is a regulatory requirement and legal obligation for Indian Railways. Adhering to safety protocols and regulations is necessary to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with national and international standards. Failure to comply can result in legal consequences and compromises the well-being of passengers.

WHAT ARE THE GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES TO MAKE INDIAN RAILWAYS SAFE?

1. Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK): The Ministry of Railways established RRSK, a dedicated fund, in 2017 to enhance safety measures. The fund aims to finance critical safety-related works such as the replacement of aging assets, track renewal, bridge rehabilitation, and the introduction of modern signaling systems.

7. Elimination of Unmanned Level Crossings (UMLCs): The government has taken steps to eliminate unmanned level crossings, which are prone to accidents. Under the UMLC elimination program, existing UMLCs are being replaced with road overbridges (ROBs), road underbridges (RUBs), or manned level crossings to enhance safety.
8. Track Modernization and Renewal: The government has allocated significant funds for track modernization and renewal. This includes replacing old and worn-out tracks, introducing advanced track maintenance technologies, and implementing track circuiting for better monitoring and control.
9. Upgradation of Signaling Systems: Upgrading signaling systems to advanced technologies like Electronic Interlocking, Centralized Traffic Control (CTC), and Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) is being pursued to improve operational safety and reduce the risk of accidents.
10. Train Protection and Warning Systems: The government has prioritized the implementation of Train Protection and Warning Systems (TPWS) and Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) on select high-density network sections. These systems help in preventing train collisions and overspeeding, enhancing safety.
11. Use of Technology: Various technological initiatives have been undertaken, such as the introduction of GPS-based tracking systems for real-time monitoring of trains, video surveillance systems at railway stations, and mobile applications for passenger safety and security.
12. The Kavach system : An integrated safety initiative implemented by the Indian Railways to enhance the security and well-being of train passengers. Through the installation of CCTV cameras, panic buttons, GPS tracking, alarm systems, and provision of emergency medical support, the system aims to create a comprehensive security framework. It promotes awareness among passengers, collaborates with security agencies and local law enforcement, and undergoes continuous monitoring for improvements. By leveraging advanced technologies and proactive measures, the Kavach system strives to ensure a safer and more secure travel experience for all passengers on Indian Railways.

WAY FORWARD

10. Enhanced Infrastructure: Invest in upgrading and modernizing railway infrastructure, including tracks, signals, bridges, and stations. Implement advanced technologies for monitoring and maintenance to identify potential risks and address them proactively.
11. Robust Safety Policies and Procedures: Develop and enforce comprehensive safety policies and procedures that cover all aspects of railway operations, including train maintenance, signaling systems, staff training, and emergency response protocols. Regularly review and update these policies to incorporate the latest safety standards and best practices.
12. Advanced Signaling Systems: Implement advanced signaling systems such as Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) to prevent collisions and ensure safe distances between trains. These systems use sensors, GPS, and communication technologies to provide real-time information and alerts to train operators.
13. Safety Training and Awareness: Conduct regular safety training programs for railway staff, including train operators, maintenance workers, and station personnel. Promote safety awareness among passengers through campaigns, announcements, and informative materials to educate them about safe travel practices and emergency procedures.
14. Strengthening Security Measures: Improve security measures at railway stations and onboard trains by deploying trained security personnel, installing CCTV cameras, and implementing access control systems. Enhance coordination with local law enforcement agencies to ensure effective security arrangements.
15. Safety Audits and Inspections: Conduct regular safety audits and inspections of railway infrastructure, rolling stock, and operational procedures. Engage independent agencies to assess safety compliance and identify potential vulnerabilities. Take prompt corrective actions based on audit findings to mitigate risks.
16. Technological Innovations: Embrace emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics to enhance safety monitoring, predictive maintenance, and risk assessment. Leverage these technologies to identify patterns, detect anomalies, and proactively address safety concerns.
17. Collaboration and Partnerships: Foster collaboration between the Indian Railways, government agencies, industry experts, and research institutions to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and develop innovative solutions for railway safety. Engage stakeholders in regular discussions and forums to collectively work towards improving safety standards.
18. Public Participation and Feedback: Encourage public participation by providing platforms for passengers and stakeholders to provide feedback on safety issues, suggest improvements, and report safety concerns. Establish a transparent mechanism to address and respond to these inputs promptly.
19. Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish a dedicated safety department within the Indian Railways to continuously monitor safety performance, analyze data, and evaluate the effectiveness of safety measures. Regularly review safety metrics, benchmark against international standards, and strive for continuous improvement.

By implementing these measures and adopting a holistic approach, the Indian Railways can make significant progress in enhancing the safety of its operations and ensuring a secure travel experience for millions of passengers.