Introduction
The recent train collision in West Bengal, involving the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express and a goods train in Darjeeling district, resulted in the loss of at least ten lives.
This tragic incident raises critical questions about railway safety, accountability, and policy priorities in India.
The Kanchenjunga Express Train Accident
The collision, which occurred in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district, marks the highest toll in a railway accident since the Balasore incident in Odisha last year
Initial reports suggest human error as a possible cause, but a definitive conclusion will only be reached after the Commissioner of Railways Safety completes the investigation.
This incident underscores the urgent need for the Indian Railways to critically examine and address internal shortcomings.
Railway Safety Measures
India’s railway system has shown improvements in safety parameters over the years.
One of the significant advancements is the Kavach system, an indigenously developed automatic train protection system.
As of February 2024, Kavach has been deployed on 1,465 route kilometers and 139 locomotives on the South Central Railway. Additionally, tenders for several thousand more route kilometers have been awarded.
Note: What is Kavach System?
Kavach is a cab signaling train control system with anti-collision features developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in association with three Indian vendors
It has been adopted as our National Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System
It adheres to Safety Integrity Level-4 (SIL-4) standards and acts as a vigilant watchdog over the existing signaling system, alerting the loco pilot when approaching a 'red signal' and applying automatic brakes if necessary to prevent overshooting the signal
The system also relays SoS messages during emergency situations
Post-Balasore Safety Steps
In the aftermath of the Balasore train accident, the railway ministry undertook steps to remove obstacles in safety-related areas such as signaling and interlocking.
Despite these measures, the recent West Bengal accident highlights the need for more urgent action and a faster rollout of the Kavach system.
Funding and Policy Focus
The Indian Railways has seen a substantial increase in funding, with the capital outlay for 2023-24 pegged at Rs 2.4 lakh crore, which is nine times the outlay in 2013-14.
However, there are concerns about the disproportionate political and policy focus on high-visibility projects like the Vande Bharat Express, potentially at the expense of essential safety measures.
Communication and Feedback Mechanisms
Operational safety in the railways hinges on robust communication and feedback mechanisms. The recent collision raises questions about the functionality and robustness of these mechanisms.
Ensuring accountability and fixing responsibility for such accidents is crucial in a system that often finds ways to dilute it.
Statistics and Progress
Between 2013-14 and 2023-24, the number of derailments in Indian Railways fell from 350 to 36.
Despite this progress, the West Bengal accident underscores that more comprehensive measures are necessary to ensure the safety of millions of passengers and tonnes of cargo transported daily.
Comprehensive Safety Approach
Safety in the railways is not an isolated aspect; it is embedded in every function and operation. Improving safety calls for a more encompassing and comprehensive approach.
Infrastructure upgrades must translate to greater safety for travelers, which requires a focus on all facets of railway operations.
Key Areas for Improvement
Faster Rollout of Kavach: Accelerating the deployment of the Kavach system across more routes
Enhanced Communication Systems: Strengthening the communication and feedback mechanisms to ensure operational safety
Balanced Policy Focus: Ensuring that modernization efforts like the Vande Bharat Express do not overshadow critical safety improvements
Accountability and Responsibility: Establishing clear accountability for accidents to prevent future occurrences
Holistic Safety Measures: Adopting a comprehensive approach to safety that includes infrastructure, operations, and policy reforms
Conclusion
The West Bengal train collision serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in railway safety in India.
Despite improvements and significant funding, incidents like this highlight the need for a more balanced and urgent approach to safety measures.
Ensuring robust communication systems, accelerating the deployment of safety technologies like Kavach, and maintaining a balanced focus on modernization and safety are crucial steps toward preventing such tragedies in the future.
By addressing these critical issues and adopting a comprehensive approach to safety, the Indian Railways can work towards preventing such tragic incidents and ensuring a safer travel experience for all.
(West Bengal train collision, Kanchenjunga Express Train Accident, railway safety in India, Kavach system, Indian Railways funding, Vande Bharat Express, railway accident accountability, Balasore train accident, operational safety in railways, infrastructure upgrades, railway modernization, train collision investigation, UPSC, CAPF, CDS, NDA, SSB, AFCAT, CSE, IAS, IB ACIO, Current Affairs, News)
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