Indian Railways’ safety drive shows major gains: Accidents, signalling failures and staff deaths decline sharply

Indian Railways’ sustained focus on safety, modernisation, and staff welfare has resulted in a sharp reduction in signalling failures, train accidents, and fatalities among track maintenance employees, the government informed the Rajya Sabha.

Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a written reply, said that signalling failures have reduced by about 58 percent over the last 11 years, contributing significantly to improved safety in train operations.

As a direct outcome of multiple safety initiatives, the number of consequential train accidents declined from 135 in 2014–15 to 12 in 2025–26 (till date)—a reduction of nearly 90 percent. The Consequential Accident Index, which measures accidents relative to total train kilometres run, also fell from 0.11 in 2014–15 to 0.03 in 2024–25, reflecting a 73 percent improvement.

Modernisation of Signalling Systems

The Minister attributed the improved safety record to the large-scale modernisation of signalling infrastructure across the railway network. As of December 31, 2025, Electrical and Electronic Interlocking Systems have replaced old mechanical signalling at 6,660 stations, while 10,097 level crossing gates have been interlocked to enhance safety. Complete track circuiting has been provided at 6,665 stations, enabling electrical verification of track occupancy.

To minimise human intervention, Block Proving Axle Counters have been installed on 6,142 block sections, ensuring the complete arrival of trains before granting clearance to the next train. Automatic Block Signalling has been introduced on 6,625 route kilometres to increase line capacity within existing infrastructure. Additional reliability measures, including dual detection systems, redundant power supplies, and backup transmission media, have also been incorporated.

Indian Railways has introduced power-operated lifting barriers with sliding booms at interlocked level crossings and adopted a Rolling Block maintenance system, notified on November 30, 2023, under which integrated maintenance of signalling assets is planned up to 52 weeks in advance. Detailed safety instructions, standard protocols for equipment disconnection and reconnection, and regular staff training and counselling are also part of the safety framework.

Enhanced Safety for Track Maintenance Staff

Safety and welfare measures for track maintenance workers have led to a 66 percent reduction in deaths during track maintenance work, compared to 196 fatalities in 2013–14. Track maintainers have been equipped with comprehensive safety gear, including luminous jackets, helmets with miner’s lights, safety shoes, gloves, LED torches, raincoats, and winter jackets.

To reduce physical strain and improve productivity, Indian Railways has introduced lightweight tools, battery- and hydraulic-operated equipment, and mechanised track maintenance using specialised machines for tasks such as tamping, ballast cleaning, rail grinding, cutting, and drilling. Rail-borne and multi-utility vehicles have been provided to mobile maintenance gangs.

Regular counselling, medical examinations, and structured safety training—such as the “Personal Safety First” programme—are conducted through Zonal Training Centres using practical and visual aids. Welfare facilities, including gang huts, tool-cum-rest rooms, toilets at manned level crossings, water bottles, family accommodation, and payment of risk and hardship allowances, have also been provided. Flexible duty rosters and recognition for exemplary performance further support staff welfare.

For additional protection, the VHF-based Approaching Train Warning System is being progressively introduced across the railway network. The system provides advanced warning to track staff through handheld VHF receivers and has so far been implemented on about 340 block sections.

Compensation and Relief Measures

Indian Railways provides Rs 25 lakh as ex gratia lump sum compensation (effective from January 1, 2016) to the family or dependents of employees who lose their lives due to accidents while on duty.

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For passengers affected by train accidents and untoward incidents, Rs 30.75 crore was paid as ex gratia relief to the next of kin of deceased passengers during 2022–23 to 2024–25. In addition, Rs 23.53 crore was paid as statutory compensation following awards by the Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT) during the same period.

Compensation under Sections 124 and 124-A of the Railways Act, 1989, is paid over and above ex gratia relief and is released within 30 days of receipt of the tribunal’s judgment. The government clarified that compensation paid in a particular year may relate to accidents from earlier years, depending on the number of cases finalised by tribunals or courts.