There is a steep decline in the number of consequential train accidents from 473 in 2000-01 to 48 in 2022-23.

The average number of consequential train accidents during the period, 2004-14 was 171 per annum, while the average number of consequential train accidents during the period, 2014-23 declined to 71 per annum. 

Notably, railways have constituted an important fund for enhancing Railway Security by the name of Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK). 

It has been introduced in 2017-18 for replacement/renewal/upgradation of critical safety assets, with a corpus of 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.

Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda said  in a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday,Government's priority is to ensure safety of railways and those travelling by it and for this all the necessary initiatives have been  taken in last 9 years and these have yielded good results .

He also said that Electrical/Electronic Interlocking Systems with centralized operation of points and signals have been provided at 6427 stations up to 31.05.2023 to eliminate accidents due to human failure.

He further informed that Interlocking of Level Crossing (LC) Gates has been provided at 11093 level Crossing Gates up to 31.05.2023 for enhancing safety at LC gates.

Shri Arjun Munda said that Complete Track Circuiting of stations to enhance safety for verification of track occupancy by electrical means has been provided at 6377 stations up to 31.05.2023.

Briefing the media, he also said that, locomotives are equipped with Vigilance Control Devices (VCD) to ensure alertness of Loco Pilots. Loco pilots are able to get timely alerts and ensure safety of the passengers. 

Shri Arjun Munda said that 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. He said all these measures have given good results. 

He said that the current government has taken safety and security measures for the common people and  railways contribution to economy has been ensured through all these measures including food  and energy security in the country. 

* Click here for details on measures for Railway Safety 

Executive Director, Rail safety, Shri Ashok Nakra gave a detailed presentation on the subject to the media.