Central Railway improves its safety record as train mishaps decline

By Dheeraj Fartode

Emphasis on safety alongwith induction of latest technology is showing its effect ontrain operations, atleast in Central Railway, reveals a study of the figures of safety bulletin. Compared to 44 accidents recorded during in year 2012-13, Central Railway managed to lower the mishaps in the year gone and by end of March 14 the figure stood at 37.

The safety record is direct reflection of performance of the concerned Zone of Indian Railway. And cases are categorised as per gravity, with most severe getting listed at Railway Board level, then those below it at Zone level. In the category of consequentialtrain accident (RB case) a comparative study of figures reveal that derailment have increased from one in 2012-13 to three in 2013-14. But more serious things that raised safety concerns during last year was cases of fire on running trains and such two such incidents were reported across Zone. However what should bring down the worry levels is that in subsequent year the Central Railway stricter emphasis on sticking to basics came handy and not a single fire emergency occurred during the past year, a fact that should make all of us proud. 

Train accident

The report revealed that accidents at unmanned level crossing continues to be a cause of concern as two accidents occurred in 2013-14 against one accident occurred in 2012-13. This however is more due to careless approach of citizens who continue to throw caution to wind while negotiating level crossings.

Derailment of trains in railway yard is a known phenomenon and number of such accidents also stands decreased in 2013-14 as compared to 2012-13. According to the report, 21 derailments occurred in 2012-13 and lowered by two in 2013-14. Two incidents of fire occurred in 2012-13 and only one in 2013-14. 

Failure of railway staff was major reason

Central Railway needs to focus more on training its manpower as failure of staff was cited as single biggest reason for the train accidents. Railway staff was responsible for 34 accidents in 2012-13 and shows improvement in 2013-14 when the figure has lowered. It means 28 railway accidents occurred only due to failure of railway staff. Three accidents in both year occurred due to failure of others than railway staff, but not specific whether they are due to material failure. 

Engineering Dept. tops the list

The report squarely indicted Engineering Department of Central railway for 13 trainaccidents. It can be mentioned that Indian railway constitute a inquiry committee for investigation after every train accident. The report said that 13 accidents occurred including seven operational train accidents (OTA) and five in yards in 2012-13. In 2013-14, four OTA were reported while seven others accidents occurred in yards. Operating Department is close second while Engineering Department was responsible for four accidents in 2012-13. The figure rose to six in 2013-14. Operating Loco running were involved five accidents each in 2012-13 and 2013-14. Mechanical Department was responsible for one accident in 2012-13 and Electrical Department takes rap for one accident each in 2012-13 and 2013-14. 

80% accidents in Mumbai Division

Mumbai Division in Central Railway Zone has worst record as far as safety is concerned. According to report, 24 out of 44 train accidents occurred solely in Mumbai Division in 2012-13 followed by four in Solapur Division, three by Pune Division, one each in Bhusaval and Nagpur Division. In 2013-14, three more accidents occurred in Mumbai Division and figure of total accidents in the division rose to 27. Four accidents occurred in Solapur division, followed by three in Pune, two in Bhusaval and one in Nagpur Division.