HOW TO KEEP THE RAIL SAFETY DEBATE ON TRACK

RAILWAY accidents frequently hit the news the latest being the derailment of 12 coaches of the Mysore-Darbhanga Express at Kavaraipettai, Tamil Nadu.

- SUDHANSHU MANI

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.