Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction (Approx. 40-50 words)
- Context Setting: Begin by providing a brief overview of India’s railway network, which is one of the largest in the world.
- Significance: Mention the importance of railway safety and security for the economy and passengers.
- Thesis Statement: Indicate that despite several safety improvements, gaps still exist in ensuring a fully safe and secure railway network.
2. Key Gaps in Ensuring Safety and Security (Approx. 200 words)
A. Lack of Coordination
- Explanation: Lack of coordination between the Railway Board and Zonal Railways has led to inefficiencies, such as the operation of over 3.30 lakh wagons without necessary approvals (CAG report).
- Source: CAG report on railway safety.
B. Backlogs and Delays in Infrastructure
- Explanation: A significant number of bridges (around 1.5 lakh) require urgent repairs, and outdated assets are yet to be replaced, compromising safety.
- Source: Standing Committee on Railways.
C. Financial Constraints
- Explanation: The railways’ high operating ratio (107% in 2021-22) and dependency on government budgetary allocations hamper the modernization of safety infrastructure.
- Source: Ministry of Railways and financial reports.
D. Inadequate Safety Systems
- Explanation: Lack of modern fire detection systems and poor track maintenance, especially in extreme weather areas, increases vulnerability.
- Source: Reports on railway safety from Indian Railways.
E. Rise in Criminal Activities
- Explanation: Incidents like stone pelting (1,500+ cases in 2022) and rising robberies (increased from 373 cases in 2020 to 699 in 2022) create security risks.
- Source: Railway Crime Statistics (Ministry of Railways).
F. Human Errors
- Explanation: A major cause of accidents includes human errors, such as poor track repair, mechanical failures, and mismanagement.
- Source: Accident Investigation Reports (Indian Railways).
3. Measures to Address the Gaps (Approx. 80-100 words)
- Modernization of Infrastructure: Prioritize the renewal of old tracks and bridges to ensure structural safety. (Standing Committee on Railways).
- Internal Resource Mobilization: Railways should aim to reduce its operating ratio and increase internal funding for safety projects.
- R&D Focus: Enhance indigenous research and development in railway safety technologies to prevent accidents.
- Creation of Safety Authorities: Establish a Rail Safety Authority for better coordination and oversight.
- Security Committees: Set up State-Level Security Committees to address the misuse of railway networks by criminal elements.
- Employee Training: Implement better safety training programs and codes of conduct to reduce human errors.
4. Conclusion (Approx. 30-40 words)
- Summary: Recap the key gaps in ensuring a safe and secure railway network in India.
- Call to Action: Highlight that the effective implementation of the proposed measures will be essential in achieving zero accidents and a safer railway system.
Relevant Facts and Sources for the Answer:
- Lack of Coordination:
- Fact: Over 3.30 lakh wagons operated without necessary approvals (CAG report).
- Source: CAG report on railway safety.
- Backlogs and Delays in Infrastructure:
- Fact: Approximately 1.5 lakh bridges need immediate repairs.
- Source: Standing Committee on Railways.
- Financial Constraints:
- Fact: The operating ratio of the Indian Railways increased from 97% in 2018-19 to 107% in 2021-22, making modernization difficult.
- Source: Ministry of Railways Financial Reports.
- Inadequate Safety Systems:
- Fact: Lack of fire detection systems and poor track maintenance increase vulnerability.
- Source: Indian Railways Safety Reports.
- Rise in Criminal Activities:
- Fact: 1,500+ incidents of stone pelting in 2022, and robberies increased from 373 in 2020 to 699 in 2022.
- Source: Railway Crime Statistics (Ministry of Railways).
- Human Errors:
- Fact: Human errors are a significant contributor to accidents, such as poor track repair and mismanagement.
- Source: Accident Investigation Reports (Indian Railways).
Model Answer
Gaps in Ensuring a Safe and Secure Railway Network in India
India’s railway network has seen efforts to improve safety and security, such as the establishment of the Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh and track modernisation. However, significant gaps remain in creating a fully safe and secure railway network.
1. Lack of Coordination
One of the major issues is the lack of coordination between the Railway Board and Zonal Railways, which has led to a shortage of resources. For instance, over 3.30 lakh wagons were operated without the necessary approvals after repairs, jeopardizing rail safety Backlogs and Delays The Indian railway system also faces considerable backlogs. Reports suggest that about 1.5 lakh railway bridges need urgent attention. Additionally, the replacement and renewal of outdated assets, which are vital for safe operations, are significantly delayed .
3. Rial Constraints
Due to heavy reliance on government budgetary allocations and a high operating ratio (107% in 2021-22), the railways face financial constraints. These limitations hinder investments in modernisation and safety infrastructure .
4. Inadety Systems
The lack of modern safety systems like fire detection systems and poor maintenance of tracks, particularly in regions with extreme weather, increases the vulnerability of the railway network. This compromises passenger and operational safety .
Internal Security
5. **Increase in Crrise in criminal activities, such as stone pelting and robberies, also poses a security threat. Over 1,500 incidents of stone pelting were reported in 2022, and robberies have also increased, further endangering passengers .
6. Human Errors
Human ern one of the leading causes of railway accidents, including mechanical faults, poor track maintenance, and even infrastructure failures .
Measures Needed
To address these gapsch as the modernisation of infrastructure, better internal resource mobilisation, increased R&D, and the creation of a Rail Safety Authority are crucial. Additionally, setting up State-Level Security Committees and enhancing employee training on safety can help mitigate human errors .
The implementation of these measures will be key tg a secure and efficient railway network in India, with a focus on reducing accidents and fatalities.