Govt data shows 38% reduction in train accidents in past four years
More than 85% drop in fatalities and injuries
NEW DELHI: A recent data released by the government shows a significant 38 per cent reduction in the train accident in the last four years. Even more than 85 per cent drop in fatalities and injuries.
“In the past four years, the Government has made safety the top priority of Indian Railways. It has achieved its best ever safety performance during the year 2017-18. There has been a 38 per cent reduction inconsequential train accidents, 118 in 2013-14 to 73 in 2017-18,” an official statement claimed.
The report on the improvement of rail safety after 2014 further mentioned, “Accidents recorded in a year were below 100 for the first time. There has also been an 85%+ drop in fatalities and injuries between the time periods Sep’17-aug’18 and Sep’13-aug’14.”
Ahead of winter, the Railway Board has directed its field offices to take up a special safety drive to check tracks, signaling system and other equipment.
Indian Railways has taken up a fortnight safety campaign during which top officials should visit the field and check tracks, signaling, overhead electrical system and other equipment.
The significant government policies on more budget allocation, track maintenance and renewal, complete elimination of Unmanned Level Crossings (UMLC), new lines and doubling them, new 3rd and 4th line projects, more foot over bridges, enhanced mechanism of safety monitoring, improved signaling, upgraded coaches and others, have considerably played a major stake in the achievement, officials claim.
The ministry is also in consultation with the Ministry of Rural Development and has identified the construction and maintenance of level crossing works under MGNREGS. “Zonal Railways has identified 1,210 works costing Rs. 431 crore. So far 69 works have been sanctioned by state authorities,” the report added. During the winter season the movement of the passenger, as well as freight trains, is also high as it is considered as a peak period. Apart from normal trains, the railways also run over 40 special trains to clear extra rush this season.