Indian Railways safety has recorded a significant improvement over the past 12 years, with consequential train accidents falling by 88%, from 135 in 2014-15 to 16 in 2025-26. According to an official statement, only two consequential train accidents have been recorded so far in the current financial year 2026-27, up to June.
Indian Railways safety measures have expanded substantially alongside the decline in accidents, with higher spending on safety-related works, modern signalling systems, track monitoring, preventive maintenance and the deployment of the indigenous Kavach Automatic Train Protection system.
Indian Railways Accident Rate Shows Major Improvement
Indian Railways consequential accidents have declined sharply over the last twelve years. The number fell from 135 in 2014-15 to 16 in 2025-26, representing an 88% reduction, according to the official release.
A related safety indicator, the Consequential Accident Index, which measures accidents per million train-kilometres run, also improved considerably. The index declined from 0.11 in 2014-15 to 0.01 in 2025-26, representing an improvement of roughly 91%.
The Railways said that only two consequential train accidents had been recorded during 2026-27 up to June. The figures come as the national transporter continues to increase investment in safety infrastructure and technology across its network.
Indian Railways Safety Budget Crosses Rs 1.20 Lakh Crore
Indian Railways safety expenditure has increased substantially over the years. The budget allocated for safety-related activities rose from around Rs 39,200 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 1,17,693 crore in 2025-26.
For 2026-27, the allocation has been increased further to Rs 1,20,389 crore. The higher allocation is being used for a range of activities covering signalling, track renewal, rolling stock maintenance, bridge safety, level-crossing protection and advanced train protection technology.
Indian Railways Expands Electronic Interlocking Systems
Indian Railways signalling safety has also received increased attention, particularly to reduce the possibility of accidents caused by human error. Electrical and electronic interlocking systems with centralised operation of points and signals have been provided at 6,671 stations up to June 30.
Interlocking systems have also been provided at 10,395 Level Crossing Gates up to June 30 to improve safety at railway crossings.
Complete track circuiting has been provided at 6,671 stations as well. The system uses electrical means to verify track occupancy and is designed to strengthen operational safety.
The Railways has also issued detailed instructions concerning signalling safety, including mandatory correspondence checks, protocols for alteration work and preparation of completion drawings. Procedures for disconnection and reconnection of signalling and telecommunications equipment have also been re-emphasised.
Indian Railways Uses Technology to Improve Loco Pilot Alertness
Indian Railways train safety technology includes several systems designed to improve the alertness of locomotive pilots. All locomotives are equipped with Vigilance Control Devices (VCDs), which are intended to enhance crew alertness during train operations.
Retro-reflective sigma boards have also been installed on masts located two overhead equipment masts before signals in electrified territories. These boards help alert train crews about upcoming signals when visibility is affected by fog.
In fog-affected areas, loco pilots are provided with GPS-based Fog Safety Devices (FSDs). These devices help them determine the distance to important landmarks, including signals and level-crossing gates, during low-visibility conditions.
Indian Railways Strengthens Track Safety and Renewal
Indian Railways track safety is being strengthened through modern track structures and mechanised maintenance. The Railways uses 60kg and 90 Ultimate Tensile Strength rails, Prestressed Concrete Sleeper normal and wide-base sleepers with elastic fastening, fan-shaped turnouts on PSC sleepers, and steel channel or H-beam sleepers on girder bridges during primary track renewal work.
Track-laying activities are increasingly mechanised through machines such as PQRS, TRT and T-28 to reduce the possibility of human errors. The Railways is also maximising the supply of 130-metre and 260-metre rail panels to speed up rail renewal and reduce the need for welding joints.
Ultrasonic Flaw Detection, or USFD testing, is carried out on rails to identify flaws and enable timely removal of defective rails. The Railways is also laying longer rails, reducing the use of Alumino Thermic Welding and adopting improved rail welding technology such as Flash Butt Welding.
Track Monitoring Systems Help Detect Safety Risks
Indian Railways track monitoring includes the use of the Oscillation Monitoring System, or OMS, and Track Recording Cars, known as TRCs, to monitor track geometry.
Railway track patrolling is also conducted to identify possible weld or rail fractures. Thick Web Switches and Weldable CMS Crossings are being used in turnout renewal works.
Regular inspections are carried out to monitor railway assets and educate staff on safe working practices. A web-based online monitoring system covering track assets, including a track database and decision-support system, has also been adopted to help determine maintenance requirements and optimise resources.
The Railways has issued detailed instructions relating to integrated blocks, corridor blocks, worksite safety and monsoon precautions. These measures are intended to improve safety during maintenance and adverse weather conditions.
Indian Railways Focuses on Coach and Wagon Safety
Indian Railways coach safety is another important part of the safety programme. Preventive maintenance of coaches and wagons is undertaken to support safe train operations.
The Railways is also progressively replacing conventional ICF-design coaches with LHB-design coaches. The modern coach design is part of the broader effort to improve passenger safety and modernise rolling stock.
All unmanned level crossings on Broad Gauge routes were eliminated by January 2019, according to the official release. Railway bridges are also inspected regularly, with repair or rehabilitation work undertaken based on the condition identified during these inspections.
Indian Railways Introduces Fire Safety Measures in Coaches
Indian Railways fire safety measures include statutory fire notices displayed across coaches to provide passengers with information on preventing fire-related incidents.
Fire safety posters are provided in every coach, informing passengers about precautions such as not carrying inflammable materials or explosives and not smoking inside coaches. The notices also highlight applicable penalties.
Production units are providing fire detection and suppression systems in newly manufactured power cars and pantry cars. Fire and smoke detection systems are also being installed in newly manufactured coaches, while zonal railways are progressively fitting such systems in existing coaches.
Regular counselling and training of railway staff is also undertaken to strengthen awareness and compliance with safety procedures.
Indian Railways Uses Rolling Block Planning for Maintenance
Indian Railways maintenance planning has also been strengthened through the concept of Rolling Block. The system was introduced into the Indian Railways Open Lines General Rules through a Gazette notification dated November 30, 2023.
Under this approach, integrated maintenance, repair and replacement of railway assets are planned up to 52 weeks in advance on a rolling basis. The work is then executed according to the planned schedule, helping improve maintenance management and asset reliability.
Kavach System Strengthens Indian Railways Train Protection
Kavach Automatic Train Protection system is one of the key technology initiatives being used by Indian Railways to improve train safety. Developed indigenously, Kavach is a highly technology-intensive system requiring the highest level of safety certification, known as SIL-4.
Kavach assists loco pilots in operating trains within specified speed limits. If a loco pilot fails to apply brakes when required, the system can automatically apply the brakes. It is also designed to help trains operate more safely during adverse weather conditions.
The first passenger-train field trials of Kavach began in February 2016. Following experience from the trials and an Independent Safety Assessment, three firms were approved during 2018-19 for supplying Kavach Version 3.2.
The system was adopted as the National Automatic Train Protection system in July 2020.
Kavach Version 4.0 Commissioned on 2,569 Route Kilometres
Kavach Version 4.0 has now been successfully commissioned on 2,569 route kilometres as of July 20, according to the Ministry of Railways.
The deployment covers the high-density Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah routes, marking a significant step in the expansion of automatic train protection technology across important railway corridors.
Implementation of Kavach involves several components. These include installation of Station Kavach at stations and block sections, RFID tags throughout track sections, telecommunications towers, optical fibre cable along railway tracks and Loco Kavach equipment on locomotives operating across the Indian Railways network.
Indian Railways Safety Drive Continues
Indian Railways safety improvements over the past twelve years reflect a combination of increased investment, modern technology, infrastructure upgrades, preventive maintenance and operational safeguards. The reduction in consequential accidents from 135 in 2014-15 to 16 in 2025-26 represents a major decline.
The improvement in the Consequential Accident Index from 0.11 to 0.01 further indicates the reduction in accidents relative to train kilometres operated. With the safety budget reaching Rs 1,20,389 crore for 2026-27 and the continued expansion of systems such as Kavach, electronic interlocking and advanced track monitoring, the Railways is continuing to focus on reducing operational risks across its extensive network.
As of June 2026, only two consequential train accidents had been recorded in the current financial year. The Railways’ ongoing focus on technology, maintenance, staff training and infrastructure modernisation is expected to remain central to its efforts to further strengthen railway safety.
Source: Ministry of Railways / ANI
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