New Delhi: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Lok Sabha on Wednesday that safety on Indian Railways has been strengthened through technology, infrastructure upgrades and enhanced maintenance which is reflected in the fact that only two consequential train accidents have been recorded so far in 2026-27.
Safety is accorded the highest priority on Indian Railways as a result of which there has been a steep decline in the number of accidents.
The indigenously developed Kavach 4.0 safety system has been successfully commissioned on 2,490 route kilometres covering the high-density Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Howrah routes.
Kavach implementation work is also under progress on 21,937 route kilometres with installation being taken up on 7,435 locomotives and 1,200 EMU/MEMU Trains, the Union Minister said.
Kavach aids the loco pilot in running of trains within specified speed limits by automatic application of brakes in case the loco pilot fails to do so and also helps the trains to run safely during inclement weather.
The implementation of Kavach System involves installation of Station Kavach at each and every station of block section.
Installation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Tags and telecom towers throughout the track length and laying of Optical Fibre Cable along the track, Union Minister Vaishnaw said in a written reply to a query in the Lower House.
“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, Indian Railways has developed, tested and started deploying Automatic Train Protection System,” the Union Minister noted.
As part of the safety measures, Electrical/Electronic Interlocking Systems with centralised operation of points and signals have been provided at 6,671 stations up to June 30, 2026 to reduce accidents due to human failure.
Interlocking of Level Crossing (LC) Gates has been provided at 10,395 Level Crossing Gates for enhancing safety at LC Gates while complete track circuiting of stations to enhance safety by verification of track occupancy by electrical means has been provided at 6,671 stations up to June 30.
Preventive maintenance of coaches and wagons is undertaken to ensure safe train operations.
Replacement of conventional ICF design coaches with LHB design coaches is also being done.
Besides, all unmanned level crossings on Broad Gauge (BG) route have been eliminated by January 2019 and safety of railway bridges is ensured through regular inspections.
The requirement of repair of Bridges is taken up based upon the conditions assessed during these inspections.
Besides, Indian Railways has also displayed Statutory “Fire Notices” for widespread passenger information in all coaches.
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, the Union Minister added.
(IANS)
