Govt of India is giving top priority to Railway Safety - Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Railway Minister

Ashwini Vaishnaw, India’s Railway Minister and a key figure in the Narendra Modi government, has been at the forefront of efforts to enhance the safety and efficiency of the Indian Railways. In a recent interview, Vaishnaw emphasized the Indian government’s unwavering commitment to railway safety amid rising concerns following a series of train accidents. The Minister outlined a comprehensive strategy to enhance safety across the Indian Railways, which includes a significant investment of over ₹1.08 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2024–25. This proactive approach not only addresses current safety challenges but also aims to implement long-term solutions to safeguard the railway network and its passengers.

Addressing Concerns of Railway Safety

The Indian government has faced substantial criticism from opposition parties regarding the spate of railway accidents that have raised alarm among the public and lawmakers alike. In response, Vaishnaw stated, “Safety is our government’s top priority. Whenever an accident occurs, we focus on identifying the root cause. We implement systemic changes, improve procedures, and upgrade technology as needed.” This commitment to safety underscores the government's recognition of the importance of a secure and reliable railway system.

To ensure safety, the Indian Railways has initiated extensive safety measures throughout its network. This includes rigorous quality checks for tracks and signals, with 97,000 inspections completed and 90,000 signal plans verified. The scope of these inspections reflects a thorough and methodical approach to identifying potential issues before they lead to accidents. Moreover, over 2,500 kilometers of tracks have been renewed, and ultrasound testing has been conducted across the entire railway network, covering 1,86,000 kilometers this fiscal year alone. Such proactive measures are vital to maintaining the integrity of the railway infrastructure.

Implementing the Kavach System

A significant aspect of the safety initiative is the rollout of the automatic train protection system, known as Kavach. Vaishnaw highlighted that since the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government took power in 2014, there has been a renewed focus on implementing this critical safety technology. “The previous Congress-led government failed to implement it over 58 years, but we have made substantial progress in just 10 years,” he noted. This historical context illustrates the urgency and necessity of adopting modern safety measures in the face of rising travel demands.

Kavach, initially introduced as an anti-collision device in 2006, faced setbacks until the current government revamped the approach. The first field trials of Kavach on passenger trains began in February 2016, leading to approvals for three firms to supply the system by 2018-19. Vaishnaw indicated an ambitious timeline for deploying Kavach across the entire railway network within the next 5–6 years. Currently, work is underway to operationalize Kavach on the 3,000-kilometer Mumbai-Delhi and Delhi-Kolkata routes, with installation plans for an additional 6,000 kilometers. This expansive rollout aims to ensure that the Kavach system becomes a standard feature of train safety in India.

Technological Advances in Train Safety

The Minister shared insights from a recent trial of the Kavach system. He personally reviewed the system's performance between Sawai Madhopur and Indargarh, observing a Kavach-fitted train autonomously stop 50 meters before a red signal while traveling at 130 kilometers per hour. This remarkable demonstration of technology highlights the effectiveness of Kavach in real-world scenarios. The system was tested for seven emergency scenarios, successfully performing as expected in each case. Such results bolster confidence in the system's reliability and efficacy.

Enhancing Travel for All Income Groups

Addressing criticisms from opposition parties regarding the focus on premium train services like Vande Bharat, Vaishnaw reassured that the government is equally committed to improving travel experiences for lower-income and middle-income groups. “We are adding general coaches to our trains to cater to these demographics,” he explained. In total, 108 trains have been enhanced with new general coaches, and there are plans to manufacture 12,500 new general coaches. This initiative aims to ensure that all passengers, regardless of economic status, have access to safe and comfortable travel options.

The recent launch of the NaMo Bharat Rapid Rail service between Ahmedabad and Bhuj is poised to revolutionize inter-city travel, offering high-quality service at an affordable cost. This service is designed to meet the needs of commuters who seek both efficiency and economy in their travel. Furthermore, non-AC Amrit Bharat trains have been introduced, featuring general and sleeper coaches equipped with improved facilities. These efforts reflect a broader vision of inclusivity and accessibility within the railway system.

Combating Vandalism and Ensuring Security

Vaishnaw also addressed concerns about safety threats, such as reports of miscreants attempting to derail trains. “The railway administration is on high alert and takes these matters seriously,” he assured. The Railways is collaborating closely with state governments and security agencies, including the National Investigating Agency, to ensure strict action against any individuals attempting to compromise safety. This comprehensive security approach underscores the government’s determination to protect passengers and railway assets.

Additionally, plans to install multiple surveillance cameras on all trains are underway to monitor tracks and surroundings effectively. This move aims to enhance situational awareness and deter any potential threats to railway safety.

Progress on the Bullet Train Project

In discussing infrastructure advancements, Vaishnaw provided an update on the highly anticipated bullet train project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Construction is progressing rapidly, with viaduct pillar work completed on a 320-kilometer stretch. This project is not just about speed; it represents a significant leap forward in modernizing India's railway infrastructure. The government aims to operationalize the first phase of the bullet train between Surat and Bilimora by 2026, with the full project expected to be completed by 2028. This ambitious timeline highlights the government’s commitment to transforming the Indian Railways into a world-class transportation network.

Conclusion

As Indian Railways embarks on this extensive safety overhaul, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s insights reflect a determined effort to prioritize passenger safety and enhance the overall travel experience. With significant investments and innovative technologies like Kavach, the government is committed to ensuring a safer, more efficient railway network for all citizens. The steps being taken today are crucial not only for immediate safety improvements but also for laying the groundwork for a robust and reliable railway system that can meet the needs of future generations. Through these initiatives, the government aims to restore public confidence in railway safety and continue to make rail travel a preferred choice for millions of Indians.