18/07/2024
Rising Train Accidents in India;
An analysis :
Train accidents in India have been a growing concern in recent years.
Despite being one of the world's largest railway networks, the Indian Railways has faced numerous challenges that have compromised the safety and reliability of its services. Here are some critical factors contributing to the rise in train accidents in India.
1. Old Tracks: One of the primary reasons for the increasing number of train accidents is the reliance on outdated and poorly maintained tracks. The lack of timely maintenance and the enormous backlog of track renewal projects exacerbate this issue, leading to a higher probability of accidents.
2. Lack of Proficient Engineers: The Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS) recruitment process has faced criticism for not recruiting the proficient engineers. The bureaucratic nature of the recruitment process often overlooks the technical expertise required to manage and maintain the vast railway network. This has resulted in a shortage of skilled engineers who are crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of railway operations causing the increased risk of accidents.
Previous system of recruitment of Group -A railway engineers through ESE (Prior to IRMS sustem) was still a better solution.
3. Lack of Anti-Collision Technology & Raksha Kavach: Anti-collision devices are great tool for preventing train collisions, but their deployment in India has been limited. The implementation of advanced anti-collision systems has been slow in Indian Railways, leaving many sections of the railway network without this crucial safety feature.
Raksha Kavach, an indigenous train protection and warning system, has not been widely implemented across the Indian Railways. This system is designed to enhance safety by providing automatic braking in case of signal violations or other emergencies.
4. Improper & inefficient Signalling system: Signal failures are another major cause of train accidents in India. The signaling system is responsible for controlling train movements and ensuring that trains operate safely. However, outdated signaling equipment and lack of automatic signals often lead to signal failures, causing accidents. Upgrading the signaling infrastructure and ensuring regular maintenance is crucial to prevent accudents again requires the profficient engineers.
5. Old Boggies and Engines : The use of old and outdated bogies are more prone to mechanical failures and do not provide the same level of safety as modern carriages. The continued use of old bogies increases the risk of derailments and other accidents, highlighting the need for modernization and replacement of the rolling stock.
6. Overcrowding in trains & tracks: The railway network often operates beyond its capacity, leading to overcrowded trains and stations.
7. Human Errors : Human error, including mistakes by train drivers and railway staff, is a common cause of accidents.
8. Rain fall & Weather Conditions : Heavy rains and fog, can also lead to train accidents. Implementing weather monitoring systems and adjusting train operations accordingly can help mitigate these risks.
By B.Singh
CMD, MADE EASY & NEXT IAS
