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Measures Taken To Enhance Safety In Train Operations

By PIB Delhi

The following measures have been taken by the Government to enhance safety in train operations:

1. Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) was introduced in 2017-18 for replacement/renewal/upgradation of critical safety assets, with a corpus of Rs 1 lakh crore for five years. From 2017-18 till 2021-22, a Gross expenditure of Rs. 1.08 lakh crore was incurred on RRSK works.
2. Electrical/Electronic Interlocking Systems with centralized operation of points and signals have been provided at 6498 stations up to 31.10.2023 to eliminate accidents due to human failure.
3. Interlocking of Level Crossing (LC) Gates has been provided at 11137 level Crossing Gates up to 31.10.2023 for enhancing safety at LC gates.
4. Complete Track Circuiting of stations to enhance safety for verification of track occupancy by electrical means has been provided at 6548 stations up to 31.10.2023.
5. Detailed instructions on issues related to the safety of Signaling e.g. mandatory correspondence check, alteration work protocol, preparation of completion drawing, etc. have been issued.
6. The system of disconnection and reconnection for S&T equipment as per protocol has been re-emphasized.
7. All locomotives are equipped with Vigilance Control Devices (VCD) to ensure alertness of Loco Pilots.
8. Retro-reflective sigma boards are provided on the mast which is located two OHE masts prior to the signals in electrified territories to warn the crew about the signal ahead when visibility is low due to foggy weather.
9. A GPS-based Fog Safety Device (FSD) is provided to loco pilots in fog-affected areas which enables loco pilots to know the distance of the approaching landmarks like signals, level crossing gates, etc.
10. Modern track structure consisting of 60kg, 90 Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, Pre-stressed Concrete Sleeper (PSC) Normal/Wide base sleepers with elastic fastening, fan-shaped layout turnout on PSC sleepers, Steel Channel/H-beam Sleepers on girder bridges is used while carrying out primary track renewals.
11. Mechanization of track laying activity through the use of track machines like PQRS, TRT, T-28, etc to reduce human errors.
12. Maximizing supply of 130m/260m long rail panels for increasing progress of rail renewal and avoiding welding of joints, thereby ensuring safety.
13. Laying of longer rails, minimizing the use of Alumino Thermic Welding, and adopting better welding technology for rails i.e. Flash Butt Welding.
14. Monitoring of track geometry by OMS (Oscillation Monitoring System) and TRC (Track Recording Cars).
15. Patrolling of railway tracks to look out for weld/rail fractures.
16. The use of Thick Web Switches and Weldable CMS Crossing in turnout renewal works.
17. Inspections at regular intervals are carried out to monitor and educate staff for observance of safe practices.
18. Web-based online monitoring system of track assets viz. A tracking database and decision support system has been adopted to decide rationalized maintenance requirement and optimize inputs.
19. Detailed instructions on issues related to the safety of the Track e.g. integrated block, corridor block, worksite safety; monsoon precautions, etc. have been issued.
20. Preventive maintenance of railway assets (Coaches and wagons) is undertaken to ensure safe train operations and to keep a check on Rail Accidents across the country.
21. Replacement of conventional ICF design coaches with LHB design coaches is being done.
22. All unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) on the Broad Gauge (BG) route have been eliminated by January 2019.
23. The safety of Railway Bridges is ensured through regular inspection of Bridges. The requirement of repair/rehabilitation of Bridges is taken up based upon the conditions assessed during these inspections.
24. Indian Railways has displayed Statutory “Fire Notices” for widespread passenger information in all coaches. Fire posters are provided in every coach so as to inform and alert passengers regarding various Do’s and Don’ts to prevent fire. These include messages regarding not carrying any inflammable material, or explosives, prohibition of smoking inside the coaches, penalties, etc.
25. Production Units are providing Fire detection and suppression systems in newly manufactured Power Cars and Pantry Cars and fire and Smoke detection systems in newly manufactured coaches. Progressive fitment of the same in existing coaches is also underway by Zonal Railways in a phased manner.
26. Regular counselling and training of staff are undertaken.
27. The concept of Rolling Block was introduced wherein work of integrated maintenance/repair/replacement of fixed assets (Permanent way, Signalling, and Traction Distribution, etc) is planned for 12 weeks in advance on a rolling basis and executed as per plan.

Signal Passing at Danger is not an accident but is treated as an indicative accident which is a potential hazard. The number of cases of Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD) during 2022-23 has decreased. The figures are as under: – 

This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

About Post Author

Editor Desk

Antara Tripathy M.Sc., B.Ed. by qualification and bring 15 years of media reporting experience.. Coverred many illustarted events like, G20, ICC,MCCI,British High Commission, Bangladesh etc. She took over from the founder Editor of IBG NEWS Suman Munshi (15/Mar/2012- 09/Aug/2018 and October 2020 to 13 June 2023).

[email protected]

https://in.linkedin.com/in/sumanmunshi

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