India has invested US$30 billion in a railway infrastructure modernization effort to boost the economy and improve connectivity. Despite the decrease in the number of accidents over time, the country’s rail system is still considered outdated and in need of significant improvement. Official records show that an average of 20,000 people died each year between 2017 and 2021 in rail accidents, with issues like defective tracks, poor maintenance, old signalling equipment, and human error being cited as the main causes of derailments.
A report from India’s top audit authority highlighted the challenges facing the railway system, pointing out that improvements in infrastructure and safety measures are needed to prevent accidents and save lives. One tragic incident last year involved a collision between a passenger train and a stationary goods train, resulting in nearly 300 fatalities. The derailed compartments then struck another fast-moving passenger service, underscoring the urgent need for upgrades and reforms within Indian Railways.
The country’s worst rail disaster to date occurred in 1981 in Bihar state, when a cyclone caused a train to derail and plunge into a river, resulting in the deaths of 800 people and over 100 injuries. Such incidents highlight the vulnerability of the rail system to natural disasters and other external factors, necessitating a comprehensive approach to infrastructure modernization and safety enhancement. Indian Railways, which operates the world’s fourth-largest rail network, runs thousands of trains daily with thousands of locomotives over a vast system of tracks spanning over 64,000km.
With more than 21 million people being transported by trains every day, the importance of a safe and efficient rail system in India cannot be overstated. The government’s US$30 billion investment in modernizing railway infrastructure is a step in the right direction towards achieving this goal, but much more needs to be done to address the systemic issues plaguing the sector. Overcoming the challenges of outdated equipment, poor maintenance practices, and human error will require a coordinated effort between government agencies, railway officials, and other stakeholders to ensure the safety and reliability of India’s railway network in the years to come.
