Page 25 - NIS English 01-15 February, 2025

COVER STORY
RAILWAYS' TRANSFORMATION
MEASURES TAKEN FOR RAILWAY SAFETY

BUDGET FOR INVESTMENT ON SAFETY IS NOW A PRIORITY
TRACK RENEWAL AND SAFETY
Other important
1,08,776 indices showing safety
2024-25 Accidents in rail operation-
accidents per million
crore rupees Accidents train kilometers have
1,01,650 Annual average 171 Annual average 68 come down from 0.11
2023-24 in 2014-15 to 0.03 in
crore rupees 1,711 678 2023-24. This is an
improvement of more
than 73 percent.
2004-14 2014-24
Interlocking
level
arrangements
were made at 11,082 crossings
12,000 overbridges
n An electronic interlocking system has been and underpasses
provided for centralized operation at more than have been
6600 stations to prevent accidents caused by constructed in 10
human error. years. This ensures
increased safety
n Vigilance control devices (VCDs) have been
and efficient train
installed in all rail engines to improve the
operations, which
alertness of loco pilots.
is an important
n Retro-reflective sigma boards are provided on the milestone in the
masts so that the crew can be warned about the development of
signal ahead when visibility is poor due to fog. railway infrastructure.
n GPS-based fog safety devices are provided
for loco pilots in fog-affected areas so that the
loco pilot can know the distance of important
landmarks, signals, and railway gates on the way.
Unmanned
n The supply of 130 and 260-meter-long track crossings have
panels has been increased to speed up the been eliminated
renewal of railway tracks and avoid welding. Unmanned level
n Ultrasonic flaw detection testing of rails is being crossings have been
used to detect problems in railway tracks and 100% manned or have
replace defective tracks. been eliminated.
n Railway Protection Force has more than 6.31 lakh
personnel from constables to Inspector General
rank officers.

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