Parliament Question: Railway Accidents in the Country

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4337 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.03.2026 RAILWAY ACCIDENTS IN THE COUNTRY †4337. ADV. CHANDRA SHEKHAR: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) the location-wise details of the railway accidents occurred during the last five years in the country including the details of main causes thereof along with the number of casualties; (b) whether the lack of track maintenance, signalling system failure and vacant posts are among the main causes of the said accidents and operational problems; (c) if so, the concrete steps taken/being taken by the Government to remove the said shortcomings and the budget allocated for the said purpose during last five years; and (d) whether the Government proposes to implement a time-bound action plan to improve railway safety and passenger amenities and if so, the details thereof along with the time line of the said action plan? ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW) (a) to (d): Safety is accorded the highest priority on Indian Railways. As a consequence of various safety measures taken over the years, there has been a steep decline in the number of accidents. Number of Consequential Train Accidents has reduced as shown in the table below:- Year Consequential Accidents 2014-15 135 2025-26 (upto 28.02.2026) 14 (90% lesser) §Another important index showing improvement in safety in train operations is Consequential Accident Index, the details of which are as under:- Consequential Accident Index:- Year Accident Index 2014-15 0.11 2024-25 0.03 (73% lesser) This index measures number of consequential accidents as a ratio of total running kilometers of all trains. No. of consequential accidents Accident Index = No. of trains X million kilometers run 234 s t n e d i c c A 165 n i a r T l 135 a i t n e u q e s n o C 55 f o . o N 31 14 2005-06 2009-10 2014-15 2019-20 2024-25 2025-26 (Feb 2026) The causes of the accidents that took place over Indian Railways broadly include track defects, loco/coach defects, equipment failures, human errors, etc.Consequential Train Accidents on Indian Railways and casualties (including railway passengers and railway personnel) therein are as follows:- No. of Consequential No. of Deaths No. of Injuries Period Train Accidents 2004-05 to 2013-14 1,711 904 3,155 2014-15 to 2023-24 678 748 2,087 2024-25 31 18 92 2025-26 (upto 14 16 28 February 2026) The various safety measures, including track maintenance and signalling system, taken to enhance safety in train operations are as under:- 1. On Indian Railways, the expenditure on Safety related activities has increased over the years as under:- Expenditure/Budget on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.) 2013-14 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 39,200 87,336 1,01,662 1,14,022 1,17,693 1,20,389 2. Electrical/Electronic Interlocking Systems with centralized operation of points and signals have been provided at 6,665 stations up to 28.02.2026 to reduce accidents due to human failure. 3. Interlocking of Level Crossing (LC) Gates has been provided at 10,153 Level Crossing Gates up to 28.02.2026 for enhancing safety at LC Gates. 4. Complete Track Circuiting of stations to enhance safety by verification of track occupancy by electrical means has been provided at 6,669 stations up to 28.02.2026. 5. Indian Railways has gone for implementation of indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, which required safety certification of highest order (SIL 4). Kavach has been adoptedas a National ATP system in July 2020. Based on deployment of Kavach version 3.2 on 1465 RKm on South Central Railway and experience gained, further improvements were made. Finally, Kavach specification version 4.0 was approved by RDSO on 16.07.2024. After extensive and elaborate trials, Kavach Version 4.0 has been successfully commissioned on 1,452 Route Kilometres, covering the high density Delhi- Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah routes as below: SN Section Progress Route (Km) (1) Delhi-Mumbai route: i Junction cabin – Palwal – Mathura –Nagda 667 section ii Vadodara - Ahmedabad section 96 iii Vadodara - Virar section 336 (2) Delhi – Howrah route: i Gaya Sarmatanr section 93 ii Chota Ambana - Bardhaman – Howrah 260 section Further, track side Kavach implementation work has been taken up on 24,427 RKM covering all GQ, GD, HDN and identified sections of Indian Railways. 6. Detailed instructions on issues related with safety of Signalling, e.g. mandatory correspondence check, alteration work protocol, preparation of completion drawing, etc. have been issued. 7. System of disconnection and reconnection for S&T equipment as per protocol has been re-emphasized. 8. All locomotives are equipped with Vigilance Control Devices (VCD) to improve alertness of Loco Pilots. 9. Retro-reflective sigma boards are provided on the mast which is located two OHE masts prior to the signals in electrified territories toalert the crew about the signal ahead when visibility is low due to foggy weather. 10. A GPS based Fog Safety Device (FSD) is provided to loco pilots in fog affected areas which enables loco pilots to know the distance of the approaching landmarks like signals, level crossing gates, etc. 11. Modern track structure consisting of 60kg, 90 Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, Prestressed Concrete Sleeper (PSC) Normal/Wide base sleepers with elastic fastening, fan shaped layout turnout on PSC sleepers, Steel Channel/H-beam Sleepers on girder bridges is used while carrying out primary track renewals. 12. Mechanisation of track laying activity through use of track machines like PQRS, TRT, T-28 etc. to reduce human errors. 13. Maximizing supply of 130m/260m long rail panels for increasing progress of rail renewal and avoiding welding of joints, thereby improving safety. 14. Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) testing of rails to detect flaws and timely removal of defective rails. 15. Laying of longer rails, minimizing the use of Alumino Thermic Welding and adoption of better welding technology for rails i.e., Flash Butt Welding. 16. Monitoring of track geometry by OMS (Oscillation Monitoring System) and TRC (Track Recording Cars). 17. Patrolling of railway tracks to look out for weld/rail fractures. 18. The use of Thick Web Switches and Weldable CMS Crossing in turnout renewal works. 19. Inspections at regular intervals are carried out to monitor and educate staff for observance of safe practices. 20. Web based online monitoring system of track assets viz. Track database and decision support system has been adopted to decide rationalized maintenance requirement and optimize inputs.21. Detailed instructions on issues related with safety of Track, e.g. integrated block, corridor block, worksite safety, monsoon precautions, etc. have been issued. 22. Preventive maintenance of railway assets (Coaches & Wagons) is undertaken to ensure safe train operations. 23. Replacement of conventional ICF design coaches with LHB design coaches is being done. 24. All unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) on Broad Gauge (BG) route have been eliminated by January 2019. 25. Safety of Railway Bridges is ensured through regular inspection of Bridges. The requirement of repair/rehabilitation of Bridges is taken up based upon the conditions assessed during these inspections. 26. Indian Railways has displayed Statutory “Fire Notices” for widespread passenger information in all coaches. Fire posters are provided in every coach so as to educate and alert passengers regarding various Do‟s and Don‟ts to prevent fire. These include messages regarding not carrying any inflammable material, explosives, prohibition of smoking inside the coaches, penalties etc. 27. Production Units are providing Fire detection and suppression system in newly manufactured Power Cars and Pantry Cars, Fire and Smoke detection system in newly manufactured coaches. Progressive fitment of the same in existing coaches is also underway by Zonal Railways in a phased manner. 28. Regular counselling and training of staff is undertaken. 29. Concept of Rolling Block introduced in Indian Railways (Open Lines) General Rules vide Gazette notification dated 30.11.2023, wherein work of integrated maintenance/ repair/replacement of assets is planned up to 52 weeks in advance on rolling basis and executed as per plan.The details of the Safety related works related to better maintenance practices, Technological improvements, better infrastructure and rolling stock etc. undertaken by Railways are tabulated below:- 2004-05 to 2014-15 to 2014-25 Vs. S.N. Item 2013-14 2024-25 2004-14 Technological Improvements 1. Use of high-quality 57,450 Km 1.43 Lakh Km More than rails (60 Kg) (Km) 2 times 2. Longer Rail Panels 9,917 Km 77,522 Km Nearly (260m) (Km) 8 times 3. Electronic 837 Stations 3,691 Stations More than Interlocking 4 times (Stations) 4. Fog Pass Safety As on As on 288 times Devices (Nos.) 31.03.14: 31.03.25: 90 Nos. 25,939 Nos. 5. Thick Web Switches Nil 28,301 Nos. (Nos.) Better Maintenance Practices 1. Primary Rail Renewal 32,260 Km 49,941 Km 1.5 times (Track Km) 2. USFD (Ultra Sonic 79.43 Lakh 2 Crore More than Flaw detection) 2 times Testing of Welds (Nos.) 3. Weld failures (Nos.) In 2013-14: In 2024-25: 90% reduction 3699 Nos. 370 Nos. 4. Rail fractures (Nos.) In 2013-14: In 2024-25: More than 2548 Nos. 289 Nos. 88%reduction Better Infrastructure and Rolling Stock 1. New Track KM added 14,985 Km 34,428 Km More than (Track Km) 2 times 2. Flyovers 4,148 Nos. 13,808 Nos. More than (RoBs)/Underpasses 3 times (RUBs) (Nos.)3. Unmanned Level As on As on Removed crossings (Nos.) on 31.03.14: 31.03.24: Nil BG 8,948 (All eliminated by 31.01.19) 4. Manufacture of LHB 2,337 Nos. 42,677 More than Coaches (Nos.) 18 times Recruitment For filling up vacancies, recruitment done in Indian Railways during 2004- 05 to 2013-14 vis-à-vis during 2014-15 to 2025-26 is given as under: - Period Recruitments 2004-2005 to 2013-2014 4.11 lakh 2014-2015 to 2024-2025 5.08 lakh 2025-26 till date 41,343 Occurrence and filling up of vacancies are continuous processes on Indian Railways considering its size, spatial distribution and criticality of operation. Adequate and suitable manpower is provided to cater to the regular operations, changes in technology, mechanisations and innovative practices. The vacancies are filled up primarily by placement of indents by Railways with Recruitment agencies as per operational and technological requirements. The RRB examinations are quite technical in nature entailing large scale mobilization of men and resources and training of manpower. Railway overcame all these challenges and successfully conducted the recruitment in a transparent manner following all laid down guidelines. No instance of paper leakage or similar malpractice has occurred during the entire process. Further, as system improvement, the Ministry of Railways has introduced a system of publishing the annual calendar from 2024 for recruitment tovarious categories of Group „C‟ posts. The introduction of the annual calendar is benefitting the aspirants in the following manner: •More opportunities for candidates; •Opportunities to those becoming eligible every year; •Certainty of exams; •Faster Recruitment process, Training and Appointments Presently, recruitment against 1,43,086 vacancies of non-gazetted personnel has been taken up on Indian Railways as per Annual Calendar 2024 and 2025. During January to December 2024, ten Centralized Employment Notifications (CENs) for 92,116vacancies were notified for filling up of posts of Assistant Loco Pilots (ALPs), Technicians, Sub-Inspectors, Constables in Railway Protection Force (RPF), Junior Engineers (JEs)/Depot Material Superintendent (DMS)/Chemical & Metallurgical Assistant (CMA), Paramedical Categories, Non-Technical Popular Categories (Graduate), Non-Technical Popular Categories (Under-Graduate), Ministerial & Isolated Categories and Level-1 categories such as Assistants, Track Maintainers and Pointsman. First stage/Single stage Computer Based Tests (CBTs) for 92,116 posts have been completed. Details are as under: - Exam Candidates Cities Languages 1st Stage CBT for the post of ALP (18,799 18,40,347 156 15 vacancies) CBT for the post of Technician (14,298 26,99,892 139 15 vacancies) 1st Stage CBT for the post of JE/DMS/CMA 11,01,266 146 15 (7,951 vacancies)CBT for the post of RPF-SI (452 vacancies) 15,35,635 143 15 CBT for the post of RPF-Constable (4,208 45,30,288 147 15 vacancies) CBT for Paramedical Categories (1,376 7,08,321 143 15 vacancies) 1st Stage CBT for Non-Technical Popular 58,41,774 141 15 Categories (Graduate) (8,113 vacancies) 1st Stage CBT for Non-Technical Popular 63,27,473 157 15 Categories (Under Graduate) (3,445 vacancies) CBT for Ministerial & Isolated categories 4,46,013 139 15 (1,036 vacancies) CBT for level-1 post (32438 vacancies) 1,08,28,261 152 15 Total Candidates 3,58,59,270 2nd stage CBTs for the posts of ALP, JE/DMS/CMA and Non-Technical Popular Categories (Graduate & Under-Graduate) have also been completed. Details are as under: - Exam Candidates Cities Languages 2nd Stage CBT for the post of ALP 2,66,363 112 15 (18,799 vacancies) 2nd Stage CBT for the post of JE/DMS/CMA 1,17,339 118 15 (7,951 vacancies) 2nd Stage CBT for Non-Technical Popular 1,21,931 129 15 Categories (Graduate) (8,113 vacancies) 2nd Stage CBT for Non-Technical Popular 51,978 79 15 Categories (Under-Graduate) (3,445 vacancies) Total Candidates 5,57,611Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT) for the post of ALP and Non- Technical Popular Categories (Graduate) and Computer based Skill Test for the post of Non-Technical Popular Categories (Graduate and Under Graduate) and Ministerial & Isolated Categories have also been completed. Details are as under: - Exam Candidates Cities Languages CBAT for the post of ALP 1,32,044 84 2 Translation Test for Ministerial and 1,233 8 2 Isolated Categories CBAT for the post of Non-Technical 13,616 38 2 Popular Categories (Graduate) Computer Based Typing Skill Test 30,341 58 2 (CBTST) for the post of Non-Technical Popular Categories (Graduate-level) Computer Based Typing Skill Test 13,145 44 2 (CBTST) for the post of Non-Technical Popular Categories (Under-Graduate- level) Total Candidates 1,90,379 Panels for more than 41,000 candidates for various posts including the posts of Technicians, Junior Engineers, Paramedical Categories, Sub- Inspectors & Constable (RPF) and Assistant Loco Pilots have been finalised. Majority of them are in safety categories. In addition, as per Annual Calendar for the year 2025, nine Centralized Employment Notifications (CENs) for 50,970 vacancies have also been issued. Details are as under: -CEN No. Post Name No. of Vacancies Month notified of Notification 01/2025 Assistant Loco Pilots 9,970 March 2025 02/2025 Technician 6,238 June 2025 03/2025 Paramedical categories 434 July 2025 04/2025 Section Controller 368 August 2025 Junior Engineer/ Depot 2,585 October 2025 05/2025 Material Superintendent Non-Technical Popular 5,810 October 2025 06/2025 Categories (Graduate) Non-Technical Popular 3,058 October 2025 Categories (Under- 07/2025 Graduate) 08/2025 Isolated Categories 312 December 2025 09/2025 level-1 22,195 December 2025 First stage/Single stage Computer Based Tests (CBTs) for 2,953 posts have been completed. Details are as under: - Exam Candidates Cities Languages CBT for the post of Section Controller 131 15 4,33,748 (368 vacancies) 1st Stage CBT for the post of JE/DMS 5,74,351 133 15 (2585 vacancies) Total Candidates 10,08,099 Passenger Amenities As regards passenger amenities, improvement in passenger amenities at railway stations is a continuous and on-going process depending uponneed, volume of the passenger traffic and inter-se priority of works, subject to availability of funds. Further, at present, modernization of stations is being taken up under „Amrit Bharat Station Scheme‟ which envisages development of Stations on a continuous basis with a long time approach as detailed below: Amrit Bharat Stations: Ministry of Railways has launched Amrit Bharat Station Scheme for redevelopment of stations with a long-term approach. The scheme involves preparation of master plans and their implementation in phases to improve the stations. The master planning includes: • Improvement of access to station and circulating areas • Integration of station with both sides of city • Improvement of station building • Improvement of waiting halls, toilets, sitting arrangement, water booths • Provision of wider foot over bridge/air concourse commensurate with passenger traffic • Provision of lift/escalators/ramp • Improvement/Provision of platform surface and cover over platforms • Provision of kiosks for local products through schemes like „One Station One Product‟ • Parking areas, Multimodal integration • Amenities for Divyangjans • Better passenger information systems• Provision of executive lounges, nominated spaces for business meetings, landscaping, etc. keeping in view the necessity at each station. The scheme also envisages sustainable and environment friendly solutions, provision of ballastless tracks etc. as per necessity, phasing and feasibility and creation of city centre at the station in the long term. So far, 1,338 stations have been identified for development under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Completed stations: Development works at railway stations under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme have been taken up at a good pace. Till now, works have been completed at 180 stations. Names of stations completed so far are as following: Alnavar, Amb Andaura, Ambikapur, Amgaon, Anandpur Sahib, Anara, Angamali For Kaladi, Ayodhya Dham, Badami, Bagalkot, Baijnath Paprola, Balrampur, Bantawala, Barabhum, Baramati, Bareilly City, Baripada, Barmer, Barpali, Begumpet, Beohari, Bhanupratappur, Bhilai, Bhind, Bijnor, Bimalgarh, Bommidi, Bundi, Chanda Fort, Chalakudi, Changanassery, Chennai Park,Chhindwara, Chidambaram, Chinchpokli, Chinna Salem, Chirayinkeezh, Cuttack, Dakor, Derol, Deshnoke, Devlali, Dharwad, Dhule, Dongargarh, Fatehabad, Fatehpur, Fatehpur Shekhawati, Ferok, Gadag, Gangapur City, Godda, Godhra Jn., Gogameri, Gokak Road, Gola Gokarnath, Gomti Nagar, Govardhan, Govind Garh, Govindpuri, Govindpur Road, Hafizpeta, Haibargaon, Haldia, Hapa, Harpalpur, Hathras City, Hodal, Idgah Agra Jn., Izzatnagar, Jaisalmer, Jam Jodhpur, Jam Wanthali, JoychandiPahar,Junnor Deo,Kakinada Town, Kalyani Ghoshpara, Kamakhyaguri, Kanalus Jn., Karaikkudi Jn., Karamsad, Karimnagar, Katni South, Kedgaon, Khairthal, Khambhaliya, Khalilabad, Koppal, Kosamba Jn., Kulitturai, Kuttipuram, Lasalgaon, Limbdi, Lohardaga, Lonand Jn., Mahe, Mahuva, Mailani, Mandal Garh, MandawarMahwa Road, Madhupur, Mambalam, Manaparai, Mandi Dabwali, Mangalagiri, Mannargudi, Matunga, M.C.S. Chhatarpur, Mithapur, Morappur, Morbi, Muktsar, Munirabad, Muri Jn., Murtizapur Jn., Nainpur Jn., Nandura, Narmadapuram (Hoshangabad), Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Itwari Junction, Nidadavolu Jn., Nilambur Road, Okha, Orchha, Palitana, Panagarh, Panki Dham, Parel, Parlakhemundi, Pirpainti, Piska, Pokhrayan, Pollachi Jn., Polur, Porbandar, Rajgarh, Rajmahal, Rajula Jn., Ramagundam, Ramghat Halt, Rayanpadu, Saharanpur Jn., Sahibzada Ajit Singh Mohali, Sahebgunj, Samakhiyali, Samalpatti, Sanchi, Sankarpur, Savda, Seoni, Shahad, Shajapur, Sholavandan, Shoranur Jn., Shridham, Siddharth Nagar, Sihor Jn., Siuri, Sri Bala Brahmeswara Jogulamba, Srirangam, Srivilliputtur, St.Thomas Mount, Sullurpeta, Suraimanpur, Swaminarayan Chappia, Talcher, Tamluk, Thawe, Thiruvarur Jn., Tiruvannamalai, Tripunithura, Tuni, Ujhani, Urkura, Utran, Vadakara, Vadala Road, Vidisha,Vriddhachalam Jn., Wadakancheri, Warangal. The activities for development at other stations have also been taken up at good pace and progress of some of the above stations is as given below: • Tirupati station: The structural framework of new second entry station building on South side, 2 nos. air concourses and sewage treatment plant have been completed. The finishing works of new second entry station building on South side and air concourses, structural work of station building on North side, platform shelter, lift, escalator etc. have been taken up.• Nellore station: The structural framework, brickwork and plastering of station building on both East and West sides have been completed. The finishing works of station building on both East and West side and air concourse, extension work of subway, parking, water tanks and sewage treatment plant have been taken up. • Bangalore Cantonment station: The works of diversion road on South side, training centre, hostel on North side, electric substation building have been completed. The works of South side station building, North side station building, circulating area and Foot Over Bridge have been taken up. • Kota Junction station: The structural works of front departure hall, front arrival hallandrear side station building have been completed. The finishing works of front departure hall, rear side station building, air concourse, through roof, circulating area have been taken up. • Bhubaneshwar station: The structural work of new station building at East and West side and air concourse have been completed. The structural work of elevated driveway at East and West side station, extension of Foot Over Bridge and platform shelter have been taken up. The finishing works of new station building at East and West side, works of MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing), HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) and escalators have been taken up. Further, development / redevelopment / upgradation / modernisation of stations on Indian Railways is a continuous and ongoing process and works in this regard are undertaken as per requirement, subject to inter-se priority and availability of funds. Development / redevelopment / upgradation / modernisation of a station is carried out based on category of station/condition/traffic handled etc.Development / Upgradation of railway stations is complex in nature involving safety of passengers & trains and requires various statutory clearances such as fire clearance, heritage, tree cutting, airport clearance etc. The progress also gets affected due to brownfield related challenges such as shifting of utilities (involving water/sewage lines, optical fibre cables, gas pipe lines, power/signal cables, etc.), infringements, operation of trains without hindering passenger movement, speed restrictions due to works carried out in close proximity of tracks and high voltage power lines, etc. and these factors affect the completion time. Further, development / upgradation / modernization of stations including Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is generally funded under Plan Head–53 „Customer Amenities‟. The details of allocation and expenditure under Plan Head–53 are maintained Zonal Railway-wise and not work-wise or station-wise or state-wise. The fund allocation of ₹ 12,120 crore has been made for the financial year 2025-26 under Plan Head–53 and expenditure (up to February, 2026) of ₹ 11,892 crore has been incurred so far. *****