Indian Railways Achieves 90% Decline in Accidents – Safety & Growth Explained

18-03-2025

04:30 AM

1 min read

What’s in Today’s Article?

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated in the Rajya Sabha that train accidents and derailments have decreased by 90% compared to 2005-06.
He highlighted that in 2005-06, there were 234 accidents and 698 incidents including derailments—an average of two per day. In contrast, in 2024-25, there have been only 30 accidents and 73 derailments, bringing the total down to around 80—nearly one-tenth of the 2005-06 figures.

Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the Rajya Sabha on the working of the Ministry of Railways, highlighting key achievements and future plans.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that train accidents and derailments have decreased by 90% since 2005-06.
Safety improvements include stronger rails, electronic interlocking, fog safety devices, and the rollout of Kavach.
Weld failures have reduced by 92%, and rail fractures have decreased from 2,500 in 2013-14 to 250 in 2024, a 91% reduction.

Over the last 10 years, 5 lakh people have been employed by the Railways compared to 4 lakh during the period 2004-2014.
Currently, the recruitment process for 1 lakh more employees is ongoing.
The Minister highlighted the scale of recruitment, citing 18.4 lakh candidates appearing for the loco pilot exam and 2.32 crore candidates appearing for various railway posts from Level 1 to Level 6.

Responding to concerns about premium trains being prioritized, the minister stated that the government is committed to serving the poor and middle class, increasing the number of non-AC coaches.

Vaishnaw called the New Delhi station stampede a tragic incident and assured that all data, including CCTV footage, is secure.
A high-level committee is investigating the incident.

The Indian Railways has recovered from the Covid-19 crisis, generating a revenue of ₹2.78 lakh crore against expenses of ₹2.75 lakh crore, meeting all major expenditures independently.

India is now among the top three countries in the world in cargo-carrying capacity, reaching 1.6 billion tonnes in 2024, alongside China and the US.
Track construction has exceeded 34,000 km, surpassing the total rail network of Germany.

The government plans to replace all ICF (Integral Coach Factory) coaches with LHB (Linke-Hofmann-Busch) coaches.
India is producing 1,040 locomotives this year, exceeding the combined output of the US and Europe.

India has begun exporting metro coaches to Australia, bogies to the UK, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia, and propulsion parts to France, Mexico, Romania, Spain, Germany, and Italy.
Additionally, India exports passenger coaches to Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, and locomotives to Mozambique, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.

Railway fares in India are lower than in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka and 10-20 times lower than in Western countries.
The government provides a 47% subsidy on passenger fares.
- Travel costs ₹1.38 per km, but passengers pay only 73 paise.
Subsidy increased from ₹57,000 crore (2022-23) to ₹60,000 crore (2023-24).

Indian Railways aims for Scope 1 Net Zero by 2025 and Scope 2 Net Zero by 2030.
Despite rising passenger and freight numbers, energy costs have remained stable.

1,400 locomotives produced, surpassing the combined output of America and Europe.
2 lakh new wagons added to the fleet.

Budget allocation increased from ₹25,000 crore to ₹2.5 lakh crore under PM Modi's leadership.
50 Namo Bharat trains under production, offering both AC and non-AC options for short-distance travel.

Indian Railways aims to become more modern, safe, and environmentally friendly, with continuous improvement in services and infrastructure.

Q1. How much have railway accidents reduced in India since 2005?

Ans. Railway accidents have decreased by 90%, from 698 incidents in 2005-06 to 73 in 2024-25.

Q2. What safety measures have improved railway security in India?

Ans. Measures include stronger rails, Kavach system, fog safety devices, and electronic interlocking.

Q3. What is Indian Railways' financial performance in 2024?

Ans. Revenue reached ₹2.78 lakh crore, covering ₹2.75 lakh crore expenses, making it financially self-sufficient.

Q4. What are Indian Railways' electrification goals?

Ans. It aims for Scope 1 Net Zero by 2025 and Scope 2 Net Zero by 2030 to ensure sustainability.

Q5. Which railway products is India exporting globally?

Ans. India exports locomotives, passenger coaches, bogies, and propulsion parts to countries like the UK, Australia, Bangladesh, and France.

Source: IE | PIB | IE