INDIAN RAILWAY ACCIDENTS: CAUSES AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

This opinion piece is based on the The Hindu editorial Railway safety – listen to the voices from below, which was published on June 17, 2023. It discusses India’s railway safety and emphasises the need for greater infrastructure and safety procedures.

 

Millions of people depend on the Indian Railways, one of the world’s biggest rail networks, for transportation every day. According to statistics, the number of derailments—which make up the majority of accidents—has dramatically decreased over the past 20 years, from about 350 per year before the beginning of the millennium to 22 in 2021–22. However, mishaps like the one that happened at Balasore’s Bahanaga Bazar railway station underscore the need for greater infrastructure and safety protocols. The tragic loss of so many lives serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to make sure that everyone who uses the railroads is safe. People in control of the Railways have been called to account for this tragedy, and systemic problems that may have contributed to the accident also need to be addressed. In order to prevent similar incidents from occurring again in the future, experts are recommending upgrading signalling systems and investing in better technology.

Additionally, comparisons with other railway systems have been made, emphasising the need for India to upgrade its infrastructure and safety protocols to be on par with those of other nations. Overall, this incident has highlighted the necessity of making sure that everyone who utilises the Indian Railways may do so in a secure and dependable manner.

What are the main causes of railway accidents?

Infrastructure flaws: The tracks, bridges, overhead wires, and rolling stock that make up the railway infrastructure are frequently flawed as a result of neglect, ageing, vandalism, sabotage, or natural calamities. The majority of the infrastructure was constructed in the 19th and 20th centuries and has not been updated to keep up with contemporary standards and expanding demand. The growth and upkeep of the railway system are hampered by a lack of funding, corruption, and incompetence. Additionally, several routes are operating at or above 100% of their capacity, which raises the danger of accidents because of overloading and congestion.

Human Errors: The railway staff, who are in charge of running, supervising, and maintaining the trains and tracks, are prone to making mistakes because they are tired, careless, dishonest, or disregarding safety protocols. Human error can lead to incorrect signalling, misunderstandings, excessive speeding, or failing to notice flaws or hazards. Additionally, the railway staff’s performance and coordination are hampered by a lack of proper training and communication skills.

Failures in the signalling system, which governs how trains move and are directed along the tracks, can occur as a result of mechanical issues, power failures, or human mistake. Failures in the signalling system can cause trains to overtake stations, run on the incorrect track, or collide with other vehicles or stationary objects. For instance, it has been alleged that a change in electrical interlocking that was not properly disclosed to the drivers was what led to the recent train tragedy in Odisha.

Unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) are locations where railway tracks meet roadways without any traffic control devices like barriers or signals. Due to the possibility that drivers or pedestrians may not see an approaching train or may attempt to cross the track when it is close, UMLCs have a significant risk of accidents. In India, 16% of all train incidents in 2018–19 involved UMLCs. There are still several manned level crossings (MLCs) that provide a danger of accidents despite the railways having eliminated all unattended level crossings (UMLCs) on wide gauge routes.

What have the railroads done so far to lessen accidents?

RRSK, or Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh, is a safety net for important assets. For important safety-related projects including track upgrades, signalling projects, bridge restoration, etc., it was established in 2017–18 with a corpus of Rs 1 lakh crore over a period of five years.

Improvements in coach and waggon design and features due to technology. This includes introducing Bogie Mounted Air Brake System (BMBS), Modified Centre Buffer Couplers, an enhanced suspension design, and the installation of an automatic fire and smoke detection system in coaches. Additionally, it entails the installation of KAVACH, a locally created Automatic Train Protection (ATP).

Lighter and safer coaches for Mail/Express trains are LHB Design Coaches. These coaches, which are based on German technology, have greater anti-climbing measures than ordinary ICF design coaches, as well as fire retardant materials, faster speed potential, and longer service lives.

A GPS-based fog pass gadget that aids aircraft pilots in navigating during dense fog. It is a portable device with GPS that shows the precise distance to oncoming landmarks like signals, level crossing gates, etc. Additionally, as the train approaches a signal or a level crossing gate, it buzzes loudly to warn the loco driver.

Modern track construction includes stronger, longer-lasting tracks and bridges. This includes the use of Steel Channel Sleepers on girder bridges, Prestressed Concrete Sleepers (PSC) on PSC sleepers, greater Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, and fan-shaped plan turnouts on PSC sleepers, among other things.

Use the Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) method to find and get rid of defective rails. High frequency sound waves are used in this non-destructive testing technique to check the rails for cracks, flaws or imperfections that could lead to derailments or accidents. The damaged rails are then taken out and changed out with fresh ones.

Track maintenance mechanisation: A technique to automate and improve track maintenance. This involves employing machinery to do track maintenance tasks like tamping, dressing, stabilising, etc., such as track tamping machines, ballast regulating machines, and dynamic track stabilisers. This lessens human mistake and raises the standard and safety of the track.

A system that centrally controls points and signals is known as an interlocking system. It is a system that operates the points and signals from a central place using electrical or electronic devices. It does away with the requirement for workers on the ground to manually operate points and signals. It also improves safety and lessens the likelihood of human error.

Elimination of Unmanned Level Crossings (UMLCs): UMLCs are being gradually removed by constructing subways, roads under bridges, or roads over bridges, or by closing, merging, staffing, or supplying UMLCs.

What suggestions have the various committees made to ensure the safety of the railroads? (2012) Kakodkar Committee

Establishing a legal Railway Safety Authority

Establishing a non-lapsable Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) for safety projects with a budget of Rs. 1 lakh crores over five years

Utilising cutting-edge technology for track inspection and maintenance

Enhancing the development and administration of human resources

Independent accident inquiry is ensured

(2014) Bibek Debroy Committee

separating the budget for railways from the overall budget

Leaving non-core tasks to the pros

Establishing an Indian Railway Infrastructure Authority

(2015) Vinod Rai Committee

Establishing a formal independent railway safety authority

Establishing a Railway Accident Investigation Board to carry out unbiased and independent investigations.

Establishing a distinct Railway Infrastructure Company to control and look after railway assets

Establishing a performance-based reward programme for railway workers

What needs to be done more in order to improve safety in India?

Invest More in Safety-Related Projects: Increase the budget allocated for track replacement, bridge repair, signal system upgrades, coach renovations, etc.

Train employees to Reduce Human Errors: Train the railway employees regularly and thoroughly on the newest technology, apparatus, systems, and safety regulations.

Level crossings should be eliminated by building road overbridges (ROBs) or road underbridges (RUBs) to take their place.

Install anti-collision devices (ACDs) such as the Kavach/Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), the Train Protection Warning System (TPWS), and the Automatic Train Control (ATC), among others. These technologies are being installed by the railways on some track segments, but they must be spread out to cover the full network.

Introduce performance-linked incentives, and reward railway employees who perform well and follow safety regulations.

Transfer non-core activities to commercial or public sector organisations, such as maintaining hospitals, colleges, and other facilities, to increase efficiency and cut expenses.

Establish A Statutory Railway Safety jurisdiction: Establish a statutory organisation with the jurisdiction to set safety standards, carry out safety audits and inspections, impose accountability and penalties for violations, and conduct accident investigations.

Implement Strict Accountability and Penalties for Violators: Conduct Regular Safety Audits and Inspections to monitor, analyse, and audit the safety performance of the railway crew, infrastructure, and equipment.

Improve Coordination and Communication: Those involved in railway operations, such as the railway board, zonal railways, divisions, production units, research organisations, etc., should better coordinate and communicate with one another.

Create a system that encourages lower-level employees to confidentially report deviations in real-time, such as the Confidential Incident Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS), which was created by a British university. All employees should be able to access and use this system because it will be backed by the appropriate communication and information technology infrastructure. Change the management philosophy simultaneously from one that emphasises blaming and punishment to one that emphasises a shared commitment to safety, focuses on correction rather than punishment, and actively listens to the opinions of personnel at all levels. The traditional method of fault-finding and punishment must give way to a common commitment to ensuring total safety at all levels in concerns of railway safety.

Reconsider the Indian Railways Management Service (IRMS) Programme: Perform a detailed analysis of the IRMS program’s effects on commitment, ownership, and safety administration. To maintain a sense of specialisation and allegiance towards particular disciplines or departments and to foster a stronger commitment to safety, consider changing or amending the system.

What are some of the best practises around the world?

Europe’s lowest rate of train accidents is in the United Kingdom. The UK has put in place a number of safety precautions, including:

Trains that violate speed limits or past danger signals are immediately stopped by the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS).

trains and signalling centres can be in constant contact thanks to the European Train Control System (ETCS).

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), which investigates rail accidents and occurrences in a neutral and objective manner.

Japan: The Shinkansen or Bullet trains, which travel at up to 320 km/h, are among the country’s well-known high-speed trains. With no passenger fatalities since the Shinkansen began service in 1964, Japan has established an impressive track record for safety. Japan has implemented a number of safety precautions, including:

Train speed and brakes are monitored and managed using the Automatic Train Control (ATC) system.

Using sensors and cameras, the Comprehensive Automatic Train Inspection System (CATIS) finds flaws and deficiencies in trains.

Trains are warned to stop or slow down by the Earthquake Early Warning System (EEWS) in the event of seismic activity.

 

The Drishti Mains issue

For the Indian Railways, one of the biggest and busiest train networks in the world, railway safety is a critical concern. Talk about the main reasons for train accidents in India and the steps the government has taken to prevent them.