Slow renewal of tracks causing derailments

The slow progress in the renewal of old tracks in the last 12 years has resulted in the deterioration of railway infrastructure in the country, leading to an increased number of train derailments. 72% of accidents that took place in these 12 years, were caused by derailments.

As per figures of the Ministry of Railways, as many as 1,517 accidents took place between 2003-04 and 201516. Out of this, 1,097 (around 72%) were due to derailments. These figures do not include accidents at un- manned railway crossings, in which generally the road users are responsible for the accidents. The major causes of derailments include rail fracture, track defects and improper protection at the worksite.

Despite the gravity of the situation, not much attention has been given to renew/replace the railway tracks. Figures (see chart) suggest that the quantum of allocation remained largely static even though the backlog of track renewals was piling up each year.

The bulk of accidents, other than at unmanned railway crossings, took place because of failure on part of the railway staff. As per figures, out of 1,517 accidents, in 1,030 cases, the railway staff was found to be responsible for the derailments. The reasons behind the derailments include working carelessly, poor maintenance, adoption of short cuts and non-observance of laid down safety rules and procedures.

Indian Railways have a network of 1.15 lakh km track length. Of this, on an average, 4,500 km should be renewed annually, says a report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railway on “Safety and