Recently, Why do’s Train derail in India?

Goods train derails between Valsad and Surat stations in Gujarat.Earlier, Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express had derailed in Uttar Pradesh and last month there was a collision between the Kanchanjungha Express and a goods train.

Reasons for Train Derails or Accidents

• Under-investment in Railways: Slow expansion of rail network is leading to severe congestion and safety compromises.
• Derailments: They’re the highest reason for casualties (1127 derailments during 2017-21).
• Accidents due to failure of railway staff: Over 50% of accidents are due to lapses like carelessness in working,  non-observance of  safety rules, etc.
  • Overworked loco-pilots exceed stipulated hours, increasing accident risk.
• Unmanned Railway Crossings:  Land (encroachment and rehabilitation) issues and delay in completion of road over bridge/road under bridge.

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Measures to improve Rail Safety

• Accelerate adoption of Linke Hoffman Busch (LHB) coaches to reduce casualties during derailments, as they don’t pile up.
• Improve working conditions and amenities for loco-pilots to enhance performance.
• Standardize the location of signals based on visibility, braking distance, and train speed.
• Eliminate the remaining unmanned Railway crossings on metre and narrow gauge tracks.
• Accelerate the deployment of the KAVACH train collision avoidance system.