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The recent collision near Siliguri, involving the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express and a goods train, claimed at least nine lives and injured over 40 people
This incident highlights critical issues in railway safety and policy priorities in India.
West Bengal Train Accident Details:
The collision, occurring near Rangapani station, marks the deadliest railway accident since the Balasore incident, which claimed 287 lives last year. Initial reports suggest human error, with a definitive cause pending the Commissioner of Railways Safety's investigation.
Safety and Performance:
Indian Railways (IR) has seen some improvements, such as the deployment of the Kavach system, an automatic train protection system on 1,465 route kilometers.
However, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports indicate persistent safety issues, including high asset failure rates, particularly in signal failures and rail fractures.
Policy Missteps:
Despite a capital outlay of Rs 2.4 lakh crore for 2023-24, there is concern that high-profile projects like the Vande Bharat Express overshadow essential safety measures.
The CAG reports also note stagnation in train speeds and a lack of improvement in punctuality, contrary to claims under initiatives like Mission Raftar.
Communication and Accountability:
The accident underscores the need for robust communication and feedback mechanisms and clear accountability within the railway administration.
Key Areas for Improvement:
Accelerate Safety Technology Deployment: Speed up the implementation of systems like Kavach.
Enhance Communication Systems: Strengthen feedback mechanisms to ensure operational safety.
Balanced Policy Focus: Ensure modernization efforts do not overshadow critical safety improvements.
Clear Accountability: Establish clear lines of responsibility for accidents.
Comprehensive Safety Measures: Adopt a holistic approach to safety in all railway operations.
Conclusion
The West Bengal train accident serves as a stark reminder for Indian Railways to reassess its priorities and focus on improving safety, speed, and capacity to prevent future tragedies and ensure a safer travel experience.
Note: In this UPSC CAPF Essay, we have given subheadings for your reference. When you write in the UPSC exam, you don't need to do that.
