Issues with rail safety

Source: The post issues with rail safety has been created, based on the article “Playing to the gallery can be injurious to rail safety” published in “The Hindu” on 28th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3– infrastructure- railway

Context: The article discusses cases where train pilots in India faced unfair disciplinary actions, despite following safety rules, often because railway management prioritized punctuality or appearances over safety. It highlights systemic issues like inadequate training and poor management decisions that compromise rail safety.

For detailed information on the Issue of Indian railway safety read this article here

What are the issues with rail safety?

Prioritizing Punctuality Over Safety: A pilot was disciplined for not exceeding the 15 km/h speed limit to minimize delays, despite following safety rules.

Inadequate Securing of Trains: On February 25, 2024, an unmanned train traveled over 70 kilometers, due to insufficient time given to pilots for stabilizing it properly.

Distractions Allegation: The railway minister claimed a train collision on October 29, 2023, was due to pilots watching a cricket match, but no evidence supported this.

High Vacancy Rates: Nearly 10% of loco pilot positions are vacant, leading to overworked staff and breaches of duty hour rules.

Insufficient Rest and Continuous Night Working: Pilots face inadequate rest at home stations and continuous night shifts, compromising their alertness and safety.

Question for practice:

Discuss the various factors contributing to compromised rail safety in India.