RAILWAY accidents frequently hit the news the latest being the derailment of 12 coaches of the Mysore-Darbhanga Express at Kavaraipettai, Tamil Nadu. Two contrasting narratives predicated on political leanings inevitably arise: one, accidents have increased due to Indian Railways (IR) focusing on glamorous projects like Vande Bharat and glitzy stations instead of prioritising passenger safety; and second, a rise in accidents and nearmisses is due to sabotage. Both perspectives, however, fail to grasp the full picture.
While the opposition accuses IR of ignoring safety IR presents data showing a reduc tion in accidents and fatalities since 2014.
This decrease is not solely the result of the current government's efforts but part of long-term work by successive regimes. Major steps include eliminating unmanned level crossings, upgrading track maintenance, modernising signalling systems, and replacing less safe coaches with the more efficient Linke-Hofmann-Busch models.
But comparing today's accident rates with the past is a misplaced approach.
Technology is now available to achieve near-zero accidents, and that should be the goal. Given the hike in the capital budgetwith nearly 25 percent of the Centre's capex going to IR-funding is not an issue.
The challenge lies in focus and execution.
Recent incidents such as the Balasore tragedy and accidents involving the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh and Sabarmati Express have led some to believe external enemies are at work. The ministry released a list of 24 cases since June 2023 where obstructions like wooden logs, concrete milestones and even motorcycles were found on tracks.
Esta historia es de la edición October 25, 2024 de The New Indian Express.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 25, 2024 de The New Indian Express.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
TECHNOLOGY TRENDS THAT STOOD OUT IN 2024
THOUGH many emerging technologies took centre stage in 2024, the year was more about driving transformation and integrating technology across various industries.
Shahrukh, Mohamed help TN down UP
Shahrukh Khan's 85-ball 132 not out and Mohamed Ali's unbeaten 76 powered Tamil Nadu to a massive 114-run win over Uttar Pradesh at Visakhapatnam in a Group D match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Wrestling continues to grapple for survival
The sorry state of affairs in wrestling continues even though Aman Sehrawat, with his Olympic bronze, salvaged some pride earlier this year. As 2024 nears end, Firoz Mirza sheds some light on issues ailing the sport and way forward to reclaim the good old days...
City pay penalty, Chelsea stunned
ERLING HAALAND had a second-half penalty saved as crisis-torn Manchester City failed to end their dismal run with a 1-1 draw against Everton, while title contenders Chelsea suffered a first home defeat against Fulham since 1979.
Teen Konstas takes bowlers to cleaners on his Test debut
JASPRIT Bumrah had just welcomed Sam Konstas to Test cricket.
Top Gun 4: Oz batters foil India's plans
In front of record number of fans at MCG on Day 1, Australia top-four help
Indian Companies May Raise ₹2 Lakh Cr From Market Via Public Issues In 2025
DESPITE a sharp correction in the equity market in recent months, the initial public offering (IPO) market has remained robust.
India sees higher oil demand growth than China
THE year 2024 is going to end with a higher oil demand growth rate as compared to China's.
Rupee continues to decline for third consecutive session, hits low of 85.26
THE rupee continued to bleed for the third consecutive day on Thursday, pressured by a firm dollar and importers' month-end dollar demand.
Govt could reduce income tax rates in budget
AMID outcry over the growing tax burden on the middle class, the government might reduce income tax rates for individuals earning up to ₹15 lakh a year, according to a report by Reuters.