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.
This story is from the October 25, 2024 edition of The New Indian Express.
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This story is from the October 25, 2024 edition of The New Indian Express.
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