Parliament Question: Safety Concerns on Chandigarh–Delhi Railway Track

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3091 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.03.2026 SAFETY CONCERNS ON CHANDIGARH DELHI RAILWAY TRACK 3091. SHRI MANISH TEWARI: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware of concerns regarding unsafe conditions of track on the Chandigarh–Delhi route particularly relating to excessive bouncing, swaying and instability of trains at certain stretches and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether such conditions have been reported in premium trains such as the Delhi–Kalka Shatabdi Express and if so, the details thereof; (c) whether complaints of these safety issues were brought to the notice of the Railways during the last one year and if so, the action taken thereon; (d) whether any technical inspection, track maintenance audit/safety review has been conducted on the said route and if so, the findings thereof; and (e) the corrective measures being undertaken by the Government to ensure passenger safety, improve track quality and prevent any potential accidents on said critical rail corridor? ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW) (a) to (e) Safety of train operation is accorded top priority on Indian Railways (IR). There is a well-established system of inspection and maintenance of railway tracks as prescribed in Indian Railways Permanent Way Manual. The Chandigarh-Delhi route is also inspected §and maintained in accordance with the prescribed provisions and is safe for running of trains at permitted speed. The tracks on IR are regularly inspected by designated officials as per the laid down schedule. This includes daily patrolling, on-foot inspection, trolley inspection and foot plate/rear window inspection by the concerned officials. Further, to assess the health of track geometry objectively, Track Recording Car (TRC) and Oscillation Monitoring System (OMS) runs are conducted at scheduled frequencies. The entire railway network of Indian Railways is covered through TRC and OMS runs. Based on various inspections, necessary action is taken in a time bound manner to ensure safety of track. Strengthening, upgradation, modernisation and improvement of track infrastructure is a continuous and ongoing process over Indian Railways. The following measures are being taken by Indian Railways to upgrade railway tracks: i. Modern track structure consisting of 60kg, 90 Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, Wider and heavier Pre-stressed Concrete Sleepers (PSC) with elastic fastening, fan-shaped layout turnout on PSC sleepers and H-beam Sleepers on girder bridges are being used while carrying out primary track renewals. ii. The Thick Web Switches and Weldable CMS Crossings are being used in turnout renewal works. iii. Supply of 260m long rail panels have been increased to avoid welding of joints, thereby improving safety and riding quality iv. Thick Web Switch Expansion Joints are being used in place of earlier Conventional/Improved SEJs. v. Adoption of better welding technology for rails i.e. Flash Butt Welding. §vi. Adoption of mechanized system for track maintenance using high output plain tampers and points & crossing tampers for improved maintainability & reliability of track. vii. Deployment of state-of-the-art modern machines including Rail Grinding Machines to further improve asset reliability. viii. Mechanisation of track laying activities through use of track machines like PQRS, TRT, T-28 etc. ix. Interlocking of Level Crossing (LC) Gates for enhancing safety at LC gates. x. Use of advanced Phased Array technology of testing of rail and welds. xi. Deployment of Integrated Track Monitoring Systems (ITMS) and Oscillation Monitoring System (OMS) for comprehensive health assessment to ascertain optimal maintenance requirements. xii. Adoption of portable Track Measuring Trolley for continuous recording of track parameters in yards. xiii. Using web enabled Track Management System (TMS) for integration and data analytics of the track inspection records received through various sources to enable precise maintenance inputs. As a result of above measures, there has been significant increase in speed potential of the tracks. The details of speed potential of railway tracks during 2014 vis-a-vis 2026 are as under: 2014 2026 (up to Sectional Speed Feb’26) (kmph) % % Track Km Track Km 5,036 6.3 23,713 22.4 130 & above §110 - 130 26,409 33.3 62,036 58.7 < 110 47,897 60.4 19,923 18.9 Total 79,342 100 1,05,672 100 Safety: 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 below:- Year Consequential Accidents 2014-15 135 2025-26 (upto 28.02.2026) 14 (90% lesser) 234 165 135 55 31 14 2005-06 2009-10 2014-15 2019-20 2024-25 2025-26 (Feb 2026) Another important index showing improvement in safety in train operations is Consequential Accident Index. This index measures § stnediccA niarT laitneuqesnoC fo .oNnumber 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 The details are as under:- Year Accident Index 2014-15 0.11 2024-25 0.03 (73% lesser) The various safety measures 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 (₹ in Crore) 2013-14 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 39,200 87,336 1,01,662 1,14,022 1,17,693 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. Detailed instructions on issues related with safety of Signaling, e.g. mandatory correspondence check, alteration work protocol, preparation of completion drawing, etc. have been issued. 6. System of disconnection and reconnection for S&T equipment as per protocol has been re-emphasized. 7. All locomotives are equipped with Vigilance Control Devices (VCD) to improve alertness of Loco Pilots. 8. Retro-reflective sigma boards are provided on the mast which is located two OHE masts prior to the signals in electrified territories to alert the crew about the signal ahead when visibility is low due to foggy weather. 9. 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. 10. 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. 11. Mechanisation of track laying activity through use of track machines like PQRS, TRT, T-28 etc. to reduce human errors. 12. Maximizing supply of 260m long rail panels for increasing progress of rail renewal and avoiding welding of joints, thereby improving safety. 13. Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) testing of rails to detect flaws and timely removal of defective rails. 14. Laying of longer rails, minimizing the use of Alumino Thermic Welding and adoption of better welding technology for rails i.e., Flash Butt Welding. §15. Monitoring of track geometry by OMS (Oscillation Monitoring System) and TRC (Track Recording Cars). 16. Patrolling of railway tracks to look out for weld/rail fractures. 17. The use of Thick Web Switches and Weldable CMS Crossing in turnout renewal works. 18. Inspections at regular intervals are carried out to monitor and educate staff for observance of safe practices. 19. 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. 20. Detailed instructions on issues related with safety of Track, e.g. integrated block, corridor block, worksite safety, monsoon precautions, etc. have been issued. 21. Preventive maintenance of railway assets (Coaches & Wagons) is undertaken to ensure safe train operations. 22. Replacement of conventional ICF design coaches with LHB design coaches is being done. 23. All unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) on Broad Gauge (BG) route have been eliminated by January 2019. 24. 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. 25. 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. §26. 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. 27. Regular counselling and training of staff is undertaken. 28. 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 More than 2 rails (60 Kg) (Km) Km times 2. Longer Rail Panels 9,917 Km 77,522 Km Nearly 8 times (260m) (Km) 3. Electronic 837 3,691 More than 4 Interlocking Stations Stations 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 Nil 28,301 Nos. Switches (Nos.) §Better Maintenance Practices 1. Primary Rail 32,260 Km 49,941 Km 1.5 times Renewal(Track Km) 2. USFD (Ultra Sonic 79.43 Lakh 2 Crore More than 2 Flaw detection) times Testing of Welds (Nos.) 3. Weld failures In 2013-14: In 2024-25: 90 % (Nos.) 3699 Nos. 370 Nos. reduction 4. Rail fractures In 2013-14: In 2024-25: More than 88% (Nos.) 2548 Nos. 289 Nos. reduction Better Infrastructure and Rolling Stock 1. New Track KM 14,985 Km 34,428 Km More than 2 added (Track Km) times 2. Flyovers (RoBs)/ 4,148 Nos. 13,808 Nos. More than 3 Underpasses times (RUBs) (Nos.) 3. Unmanned Level As on As on Removed crossings 31.03.14: 31.03.24: (Nos.) on BG 8,948 Nil (All eliminated by 31.01.19) 4. Manufacture of 2,337 Nos. 42,677 More than 18 LHB Coaches times (Nos.) Implementation of Kavach: 1. Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. Kavach is a highly technology intensive system, which requires safety certification of highest order (SIL-4). 2. Kavach aids the Loco Pilot in running of trains within specified speed limits by automatic application of brakes in case Loco Pilot §fails to do so and also helps the trains to run safely during inclement weather. 3. The first field trials on the passenger trains were started in February 2016. Based on the experience gained and Independent Safety Assessment of the system by Independent Safety Assessor (ISA), three firms were approved in 2018-19, for supply of Kavach Ver 3.2. 4. Kavach was adopted as National ATP system in July, 2020. 5. Implementation of Kavach System involves following Key Activities: a. Installation of Station Kavach at each and every station, block section. b. Installation of RFID Tags throughout the track length. c. Installation of telecom Towers throughout the section. d. Laying of Optical Fibre Cable along the track. e. Provision of Loco Kavach on each and every Locomotive running on Indian Railways. 6. 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. 7. Kavach version 4.0 covers all the major features required for the diverse railway network. This is a significant milestone in safety for Indian Railways. Within a short period, IR has developed, tested and started deploying Automatic Train Protection System. 8. Major improvement in Version 4.0 includes increased Location Accuracy, Improved Information of Signal Aspects in bigger yards, §Station to Station Kavach interface on OFC and Direct Interface to existing Electronic Interlocking System. With these improvements, Kavach Ver.4.0. is planned for large scale deployment over Indian Railways. 9. After extensive and elaborate trials, Kavach Version 4.0 has been successfully commissioned on 1452 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 – 667 Nagda 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 10. 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. These sections also pass through the State of Tamil Nadu. 11. Progress of key items of Kavach on High density routes including Delhi– Mumbai & Delhi– Howrah corridors as on 28.02.2026 is as under: S N Item Progress i Laying of Optical Fibre Cable 8570 Km §ii Installation of Telecom Towers 1100 nos iii Station Data Centre 767 station iv Installation of Track side 6776 RKm equipment v Provision of Kavach in Loco 4154 nos 12. In addition, work for installation of Kavach in 8979 Locomotives and 1200 EMU/ MEMU has been taken up. 13. Specialized training programmes on Kavach are being conducted at centralized training institutes of Indian Railways to impart training to all concerned officials. By now more than 55,000 technicians, operators and engineers have been trained on Kavach technology. This includes about 47,500 Loco Pilots & Assistant Loco Pilots. Courses have been designed in collaboration with IRISET. ***** §