MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI BANDARU DATTATRAYA)
(a) to (c). A statement is attached
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.527 ASKED BY SHRI AJOY CHAKRABORTY AND
SHRIMATI MINATI SEN TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON
20.02.2003 REGARDING RAIL ACCIDENTS
(a) & (b). The following are the details of rail accidents
that took place during the last two years since January,
2000 to January 2003, along with the details of the numbers
killed, injured and the compensation paid:-
S. PARTICULARS JANUARY 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03#
NO 2000 TO (April (April (April
MARCH 2000 to March to to
2001) March January
2002) 2003)
1. No. of accidents 114 473 414 304
2. No. of 26 55 85 152
passengers
killed
3. No. of 44 286 565 484
passengers
injured
# Provisional
Compensation amounting to Rs. 340.5 lakhs has been paid for
death/injury of passengers in train accidents during the
period 1.1.2000 to 1.1.2003.
(c) The total number of accidents declined by 12.5 %
during 2001-02, as compared to 2000-01.The detailed
causewise breakup of accidents from January 2000 to January
2003 is given below:-
Brief January 2000-2001 2001-2002 2002-2003#
Causes 2000 to (April (April (April
March 2000 2000 to 2001 to 2002 to
March March January
2001) 2002) 2003)
Failure of 64 293 248 180
Railway
Staff
Failure of 31 109 103 83
Other Than
Railway
Staff
Equipment 9 33 24 4
Failure
Sabotage 4 19 14 18
Combinatio 4
n of
Factors
Incidental 3 11 20 16
Could not 3 4 5 2
be
Establishe
d
Under 2
Investigat
ion
Total 114 473 414 304
# Figures are provisional
Steps taken to prevent accidents on Indian Railways are as under :-
(i) A non – lapsable Special Railway Safety Fund of Rs.
17,000/- crore. has been set up for renewal of over aged
assets and for safety enhancement works.
(ii) All the Production Units, majority of repair workshops
and large number of Sheds/Depots have achieved ISO 9002
certification for their Quality maintenance system.
(iii) Procurement of new generation diesel locomotives
with enhanced safety features such as multi-re-setting
vigilance control device, computer controlled brake system,
extended dynamic brake and creep control to avoid wheel
slipping.
(iv) Odour-cum-fume type hot box detectors are under lab
tests for timely detecting and detaching hot boxes thereby
preventing breakage of axle/ journals on the run.
(v) New wagons being inducted in to the system are
equipped with more reliable Casnub Bogies and Air Brake
System. Bogie Mounted Brake System on wagons has also
been developed . The use of Composition Brake Blocks on
wagons is being progressively increased.
(vi) Improvement in rolling stock design to reduce the
impact of accidents and resultant casualties.
(vii) There has been progressive increase in use of Tie
Tamping and Ballast Cleaning Machines for track maintenance.
Track Renewal Trains are also being used.
(viii) For monitoring track geometry and running
characteristics of the track, sophisticated track recording
cars, oscillograph cars and portable accelerometers are
being used progressively .
(ix) For detection of rail fractures/weld failures, adequate
double rail Ultra Sonic Flaw Detectors have been procured.
Self Propelled Ultrasonic Rail Testing Cars are being
procured.
(x) Training to Railway staff is provided immediately after
their recruitment and thereafter their knowledge is
refreshed periodically. Seminars /Workshops/field demon
stations are also organized for permanent way staff from
time to time to enhance /update their knowledge.
(xi) The specifications of rail steel have been upgraded
and are in conformity with the International Union of
Railways ( UIC) specifications .
(xii) To keep the track in good condition , track
renewals are carried out whenever it becomes due subject
to availability of funds.
(xiii) Derailment prone four wheeler wagons(CRT wagons)
are being phased out of service.
(xiv) Procurement of new generation diesel locomotives
with enhanced safety features such as multi-re-setting
vigilance control device, computer controlled brake system,
extended dynamic brake and creep control to avoid wheel
slipping.
(xv) Fitment of micro processor control speed recorders to
monitor speed of the train.
(xvi) Procurement of simulators as training aid to
improve training of running staff.
(xvii) Odour-cum-fume type hot box detectors are under
lab tests for timely detecting and detaching hot boxes
thereby preventing breakage of axle/ journals on the run.
(xviii) New wagons being inducted in to the system
are equipped with more reliable Casnub Bogies and Air
Brake System. Bogie Mounted Brake System on wagons has
also been developed . The use of Composition Brake Blocks
on wagons is being progressively increased.
(xix) Improvement in rolling stock design to reduce the
impact of accidents and resultant casualties.
(xx) Patrolling of railway track by gagmen is carried at
vulnerable locations during monsoon /summer and winter.
(xxi) Closer liaison is being maintained with State
Police Departments, wherever required for prevention of
crime on Railway tracks and bridges.
(xxii) Stringent penalty to the extent of
dismissal/removal from service is being imposed on officials
causing serious accidents.
