Railways Administration Working with Alertness: Ashwini Vaishnaw on Surge in Train Derailments

New Delhi: Amid the ongoing surge in train derailments and related accidents, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday asserted that the entire railway administration is on high alert and working with great seriousness on the matter. He stated, “The entire railway administration is on alert with great seriousness. We are constantly in touch with all state governments, state DGPs, Home Secretaries.”

Vaishnaw further added, “National Investigation Agency (NIA) is also involved and strict action will be taken against anyone who tries to cause any accident. This is our commitment. The entire railway administration is working with great alertness.”

Addressing concerns regarding passenger safety in light of recent stone-pelting incidents on trains, Vaishnaw assured that strict action would be taken against anyone involved in such incidents. "The whole railway staff is fully aware and in touch with the state governments, including state DGPs and Home Secretaries. Strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such incidents," he stated during a media briefing. The Minister emphasised that the Railways are continuously collaborating with state police forces to enhance safety measures.

Vaishnaw highlighted significant advancements in railway security, including the introduction of the Kavach system. "For the security of railways, Kavach is a very big development. On July 16, 2024, the Kavach 4.0 version was finalized by the RDSO, and its first installation has been completed from Sawai Madhopur to Kota and Nagda," he said. He also noted, "I have come to review it, and I will also assess the first roof plaza at Jaipur-Gandhinagar station."

Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. It is a highly technology-intensive system that requires safety certification of the highest order. Kavach aids the loco pilot in trains running within specified speed limits by automatically applying brakes in case the loco pilot fails to do so. It also helps the train safely run during inclement weather.

Meanwhile, in a recent incident, the Mahabodhi Express (12397) was targeted in a stone-pelting incident during its approach to Mirzapur station on Monday. Maintenance staff member CT Ravikesh Yadav reported that at approximately 7:21 PM, an unknown individual threw stones from the south side, hitting the guard's brake. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

"When the Mahabodhi Express (train number 12397) was nearing Mirzapur, the coach attendant and guard reported to control that a stone had hit the brake van. The control promptly notified the RPF and addressed the situation. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported," said Shashikant Tripathi, CPRO of Northern Central Railway.