Transforming Railway Safety: Strategies for a Secure Future

The Indian Railways with its vast network, connects millions of people and serves as a lifeline for daily transportation. Remarkably, the number of derailments constituted the majority of accidents, has witnessed a substantial decline over the past two decades. From nearly 350 derailments per year around the turn of the millennium, the figure has plummeted to a mere 22 in the year 2021-22.

Nevertheless, unfortunate recent incidents like Balasore- Odisha Accident of express train and Bankura-West Bengal Accident of Goods train remind us of the dire need for enhanced safety measures and infrastructure. In response to such incidents, demands for accountability from the railway authorities have surged, coupled with the necessity to address underlying systemic issues that may have contributed to the accident. Furthermore, comparisons with railway systems abroad have highlighted the urgency for India to enhance its infrastructure and safety measures, aligning them with global standards. Overall, these incident has spurred a realization of the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and reliability of the Indian Railways for every individual who relies on them.

Accidents in Indian Railways can occur due to various reasons, and it's important to address them to improve safety measures. Here are some major reasons for accidents in Indian Railways:

1. Human Error:

a. Signal failures: Inadequate signaling systems or errors by signaling staff can lead to accidents. For example, in the 2010 Nellore train collision, signal negligence resulted in a collision between two trains.

b. Negligence of staff: Mistakes by railway personnel, such as errors in switching tracks or improper maintenance, can lead to accidents. In the 2016 Kanpur train derailment, negligence in track maintenance caused the derailment of the Indore-Patna Express.

2. Infrastructure and Track Failures:

?a. Poor maintenance: Lack of regular inspections, inadequate maintenance, and delayed repairs of tracks, bridges, and other infrastructure can cause accidents. In 2017, the Utkal Express derailment occurred due to track defects near Khatauli, which were not repaired on time.

b. Track obstructions: Objects on tracks, such as fallen trees or unauthorized encroachments, can cause derailments or collisions. In 2013, the Gorakhdham Express derailed near Khalilabad due to a large tree that had fallen on the tracks.

3. Equipment and Rolling Stock Issues:

?a. Equipment failure: Failure of critical components, such as brakes, wheels, or couplings, can lead to accidents. In 2014, the Diva-Sawantwadi passenger train derailed due to a wheel fracture.

b. Lack of maintenance: Inadequate maintenance of locomotives, coaches, and other rolling stock can contribute to accidents. In the 2015 Hirakhand Express derailment, the accident was attributed to poor maintenance of the track and wheels.

4. Natural and Environmental Factors:

?a. Heavy rainfall and flooding: During monsoon season, heavy rainfall and flooding can damage tracks, causing derailments or breaches in embankments. In 2017, the Mumbai-Goa Tejas Express derailed due to a track failure caused by heavy rains.

?b. Cyclones and storms: Severe weather events like cyclones can damage infrastructure and lead to accidents. In 2018, the Howrah-Chennai Central Mail collided with a goods train due to high winds from Cyclone Titli.

5. Sabotage and Terrorism:

?a. Sabotage: Acts of sabotage, such as tampering with tracks or signaling systems, can cause accidents. In 2010, the Gyaneshwari Express derailment occurred when Maoist rebels removed a portion of the track, resulting in a collision with a goods train.

b. Terrorism: Terrorist attacks targeting trains or railway stations can cause significant casualties. In 2006, multiple bombings in Mumbai's suburban trains killed and injured numerous passengers.

Actions Taken by Railways to Reduce Accidents:

1. Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK): Established in 2017-18 with a corpus of Rs 1 lakh crore over a period of five years, this safety fund focuses on critical safety-related works such as track renewals, signalling projects, and bridge rehabilitation.
2. Technological Upgradation: Introduction of improved designs and features in coaches and wagons, including Modified Centre Buffer Couplers, Bogie Mounted Air Brake System (BMBS), enhanced suspension design, and Automatic Fire & Smoke Detection System in coaches. The installation of KAVACH, an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, is another notable step.
3. LHB Design Coaches: Adoption of lighter and safer coaches for Mail/Express trains based on German technology. These coaches boast superior anti-climbing features, fire-retardant materials, higher speed potential, and extended service life compared to conventional ICF design coaches.
4. GPS-based Fog Pass Device: Implementation of a GPS-enabled handheld device to aid loco pilots in foggy conditions. This device displays the precise distance to approaching landmarks such as signals and level crossing gates, while also alerting the loco pilot with a loud buzzer when nearing a signal or level crossing gate.
5. Modern Track Structure: Utilization of stronger and more durable tracks and bridges through the adoption of Prestressed Concrete Sleeper (PSC), higher Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, fan-shaped layout turnout on PSC sleepers, and Steel Channel Sleepers on girder bridges.
6. Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD): Introduction of non-destructive testing techniques using high-frequency sound waves to inspect rails for cracks, defects, or flaws that may lead to derailments or accidents. The detected defective rails are subsequently replaced with new ones.
7. Mechanization of Track Maintenance: Implementation of automation and optimization in track maintenance activities through the utilization of machines such as track tamping machines, ballast regulating machines, and dynamic track stabilizers. This reduces human errors, improves track quality, and enhances safety.
8. Interlocking System: Employment of electrical or electronic devices to operate points and signals from a central location, eliminating the need for manual ground-level operation. This system minimizes the chances of human error and enhances overall safety.
9. Elimination of Unmanned Level Crossings (UMLCs): Progressive elimination of UMLCs through measures like closure, merging, manning, and the provision of subways, road underbridges, or road overbridges.

Recommendations by Various Committees to Ensure Railway Safety:

1. Kakodkar Committee (2012):

• Establishment of a statutory Railway Safety Authority
• Creation of a non-lapsable Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) with a Rs. 1 lakh crore allocation over 5 years for safety works
• Adoption of advanced technologies for track maintenance and inspection
• Improvement of human resource development and management
• Ensuring independent accident investigation

1. Bibek Debroy Committee (2014):

• Separation of railway budget from the general budget
• Outsourcing of non-core activities
• Creation of a Railway Infrastructure Authority of India

1. Vinod Rai Committee (2015):

• Establishment of an independent Railway Safety Authority with statutory backing
• Setting up of a Railway Accident Investigation Board for impartial inquiries
• Creation of a separate Railway Infrastructure Company to own and maintain railway assets
• Introduction of a performance-linked incentive scheme for railway employees

Additional Steps to Enhance Safety in India:

1. Increased Investment in Safety-Related Works: Allocation of more funds for track renewal, bridge repair, signalling upgrades, and coach refurbishment.
2. Comprehensive Training of Employees: Provision of regular and comprehensive training to railway staff on the latest technologies, equipment, systems, safety protocols, and procedures.
3. Elimination of Level Crossings: Construction of Road overbridges (ROBs) or road underbridges (RUBs) to replace both unmanned and manned level crossings.
4. Adoption of Advanced Technologies: Installation of anti-collision devices (ACDs) such as Kavach/Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), Train Protection Warning System (TPWS), and Automatic Train Control (ATC) throughout the entire railway network.
5. Introduction of Performance-Linked Incentives: Implementation of a reward system for railway staff based on their performance and adherence to safety rules and procedures.
6. Outsourcing Non-Core Work: Transfer non-core activities like maintaining hospitals and colleges to private or public sector entities to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
7. Establishment of a Statutory Railway Safety Authority: Creation of a railway safety authority as a statutory body with the power to frame safety standards, conduct safety audits and inspections, enforce accountability and penalties for lapses, and investigate accidents.
8. Regular Safety Audits and Inspections: Continuous monitoring, evaluation, and auditing of the safety performance of railway staff, infrastructure, and equipment, accompanied by strict accountability and penalties for any lapses.
9. Enhanced Coordination and Communication: Improvement of communication and coordination among the railway board, zonal railways, divisions, production units, and research organizations involved in railway operations.
10. Implementation of a Confidential Incident Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS): Adoption of a system similar to the British-developed CIRAS that encourages lower-level staff to report deviations in real-time while maintaining confidentiality. Supporting infrastructure and technology should facilitate easy access and user-friendliness.
11. Shift in Management Mindset: Transformation of the management approach from fault-finding and punishment-oriented to one that emphasizes shared commitment to safety. This entails focusing on correction rather than punishment and actively listening to the voices of staff at all levels.
12. Evaluation of the #indian Railways Management Service (IRMS) Scheme: Conducting a thorough assessment of the IRMS scheme and its impact on loyalty, ownership, and safety management. Considering revisions or modifications to preserve specialization and loyalty towards specific disciplines or departments, fostering a stronger commitment to safety.

Some Global Best Practices:

1. United Kingdom: The UK maintains one of the lowest rates of train accidents in Europe by implementing various safety measures, including the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) and the European Train Control System (ETCS). The #rail #accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) conducts independent and impartial investigations of railway accidents and incidents.
2. Japan: Japan's high-speed trains, such as the Shinkansen or Bullet trains, operate at speeds of up to 320 km/h and have achieved an exemplary safety record with zero passenger fatalities since 1964. Japan employs safety measures like the Automatic Train Control (ATC) system, Comprehensive Automatic Train Inspection #System (CATIS), and Earthquake Early Warning System (EEWS).

By adopting a comprehensive approach encompassing infrastructure upgrades, advanced technologies, enhanced training, accountability measures, and lessons from successful global practices, the Indian Railways can further strengthen its commitment to safety and ensure a secure and reliable transportation system for all its passengers