The government has said that Indian Railways gives supreme priority to security and due to security measures taken from time to time, there has been a decline in train accidents. Giving this information to the Rajya Sabha on Friday (July 24, 2025), Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said that while 135 accidents occurred in the year 2014-15, in 2024-25, the number has come down to 31 and only 3 accidents have been recorded in 2025-26 in 2025-26.
Vaishnav said in a written reply to a question that a total of 1,711 train accidents occurred during the year 2004 to 2014, that is, the annual average 171 accidents, which have now reached a record minimum level.
Electronic interlocking system at 6,635 stations
The Railway Minister informed that several steps have been taken by the Railways to ensure the safety of passengers. Under this, electrical/electronic interlocking system has been arranged at 6,635 stations, which has reduced accidents due to human errors through centralized operation of points and signals.
He informed that interlocking facility has been provided at 11,096 level crossing gates, which has increased security on railway gates. Along with this, track circuiting has been done at 6,640 stations, so that the presence of the train on the track can be confirmed electronically.
‘Kavach’ technology implemented in a phased manner
Vaishnav said that in July 2020, the ‘Kavach’ technology adopted as the National Automatic Train Protection System is being implemented in a phased manner. It has been implemented in many routes so far and work is going on for this on Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah routes.
He informed that ‘vigilance control devices’ have been installed in all engines, so that the vigilance of loco pilots can be ensured. He said that retro-reflex sigma boards have been installed on the OHE mast to alert the crew during low visibility during the fog season.
‘Fog safety device’
Ashwini Vaishnav further stated that the GPS -based ‘fog safety device’ for security has been given to the loco pilots in the fog affected areas, so that they can know the distance of important points like signal and level crossing gate.
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