New Delhi: Data from the Rajya Sabha reveals that derailments are the most frequent type of rail accidents, with 27 recorded in 2021-22 and 36 in 2022-23. These incidents often result from poorly maintained tracks, operational errors, outdated signal systems, and adverse weather conditions.19 accidents in seven monthsAs of this year, 19 train accidents have occurred in just seven months, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure. Despite the increasing revenue of the Indian Railways, expenditure on track maintenance has seen a concerning decline.Budget cuts even after trail of accidentsIn July alone, four rail accidents were reported. On July 31, two coaches of a freight train derailed near Rangapani railway station in West Bengal. On July 29, the Howrah-Mumbai train derailed in Jharkhand, killing two people and injuring 20. Earlier, on July 18, the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, causing fatalities and injuries.Rajya Sabha data indicates that derailments are the most common rail accidents. Causes include poorly maintained tracks, operational lapses, and outdated signal systems.Declining investment in track renewalA review by Business Line highlights a worrying trend: the share of track renewal expenditure is decreasing despite an increase in total capital expenditure. In 2022-23, railway revenue was ₹1.2 lakh crore, with 13.5% allocated for track renewal. In FY 24, revenue increased to ₹1.5 lakh crore, but track renewal expenditure dropped to 11%. The latest budget for FY 25 shows a further decline to 9.7% of revenue.A report from December 2022 by the Comptroller and Auditor General on derailments underscores this issue, noting that investment in track renewal is diminishing. The budget for track renewal is not fully utilized, leading to delays in critical maintenance work. Of 1,129 derailment incidents from 2017-18 to 2020-21, 289 (approximately 26%) were related to track renewal issues.Factors contributing to accidentsThe report identifies 24 factors contributing to derailments, including inadequate track maintenance, deviation of track parameters beyond prescribed limits, and defects in coach-wagons.
