Parliament Question: Safety of track maintainers

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS RAJYA SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 365 ANSWERED ON 27.03.2026 SAFETY OF TRACK MAINTAINERS *365 SHRI TIRUCHI SIVA: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) the number of track maintainers who died on the job in the last three years, year-wise; (b) the details of compensation provided to the family of those affected; and (c) whether any steps are being taken to ensure the safety of those responsible for track maintenance, if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW) (a) to (c): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House. ***** §STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF STARRED QUESTION NO.365 BY SHRI TIRUCHI SIVA ANSWERED IN RAJYA SABHA ON 27.03.2026 REGARDING SAFETY OF TRACK MAINTAINERS (a) to (c) Following measures have been taken for the safety and welfare of track maintenance employees: 1. Track maintainers have been equipped with essential safety gears while working in hazardous environments. The major safety equipment like Retro Reflective Safety Jackets (Luminous Vests), Safety Shoes, Gloves, Safety Helmet with detachable miner's light, Tricolour Light Emitting Diode (LED) 3 cell torch, Rain Coat, Winter Jacket etc. have been provided to them. 2. In order to enhance efficiency and reduce physical strain of these employees, Light Weight Tools and equipment like Spanner, Hammer, Crowbar etc. have been provided. In addition, battery/hydraulic operated machines and automated systems have been devised for light maintenance tasks like extracting/ inserting fittings, tightening bolts, lubrication of rails joints etc. to minimize physical fatigue and improve productivity. 3. Mechanized maintenance of tracks using various types of Track Machines have been introduced for all types of strenuous jobs such as tamping, ballast cleaning, lifting & aligning of track as well as grinding, cutting, drilling of rails etc. to reduce the manual efforts. Multi utility/ Rail borne vehicles have been provided for track maintenance to mobile gangs. 4. To reinforce safety practices, regular counselling and medical examinations are carried out. Regular training sessions are conducted to raise awareness about potential hazards. The "Personal Safety First" programme with proper safety protocols is conducted through seminars and workshops, where these employees are trained on ‘How to stay safe while working on or near the track’. 5. Regular training programs on track safety rules, use of machines/ tools, first-aid etc. are conducted through Zonal Training Centres (ZTC) with practical and visual training aids for better appreciation. 6. As regard to welfare measures to employees, they have been provided Gang Tools cum Rest Room, Gang Huts, Toilet's facilities at manned level crossing, Water bottle (2 litre, heat insulated), family accommodation to take care of education and health of dependents. Further, Risk and Hardship Allowances has been provided according to nature of duty of the track maintainers. 7. Flexibility in duty roster as per climatic conditions and requirements are permitted. Recognition and awards for exemplary performance in safety and maintenance of tracks are done for encouragement of track maintainers. Page 1 of 28. VHF based Approaching Train Warning System gives an advance warning to staff through handheld VHF Receiver device on changing Advance Starter Signal to Green for coming train in block section. These devices are being provided to staff working on railway track of all routes for added safety in addition to normal protection precautions. This system is being introduced progressively across Indian Railways network. About 369 block sections have been covered so far with this system. As a result of the above safety measures, there is 66% reduction in no. of deaths of railway staff during track maintenance work from 196 in 2013-14. Railways follow a compensation mechanism under which an amount of Rs. 25 lakhs (w.e.f. 01.01.2016) as Ex-gratia lumpsum compensation is paid by the Railways to the family/ dependents of an employee who loses his/ her life due to accidents in the course of performance of duty. ***** Page 2 of 2