#20 Accidents & Disasters: Learning From the Past for Safety Improvements! (Indian Railways Series)

Photo: Reuters

Tragedy and Lessons for Advancement

India’s vast railway network dates back over 150 years. Inevitably, there have been accidents and disasters that have cost lives and revealed crucial safety gaps. While tragic, analyzing past rail accidents has also led to critical reforms that improved safety. Learning from these events has made train travel safer for all.

Early Perils 

Do you know one of the first major rail disasters in India happened in 1861 near Mathura? Shockingly, 14 passengers died when a train derailed while crossing the Yamuna River. 

In the 1900s, derailments and collisions became frequent as train usage rose. Passenger deaths from falls were also high, as coaches lacked safety handles and doors. 

You’ll be amazed to know that over 40,000 people died in train accidents between 1950 and 2000 before safety regulations improved.

Deadly gaps include unmanned crossings, a lack of communication between drivers, and inadequate coach design. Coaches made of wooden planks were major fire hazards.

Implementing Safety Reforms 

Findings from inquiry committees led to crucial reforms over the decades. Train speed limits were imposed. Coaches were redesigned with metal and emergency exits were added.

Not only that, interlocking signals, gate automation, and strict maintenance protocols also emerged. Disaster response teams were set up to provide medical aid quickly.

These measures have reduced accidents significantly. The railways keep striving to make travel safe using the latest technology.

Remembering Tragedy 

We cannot forget the many lives lost in rail disasters that revealed safety issues. Memorials at sites like Bihar’s Gaisal train accident serve as grim reminders. 

While advancements continue, passengers also need to stay alert and follow safety protocols during the journey. Only then can tragedy be avoided.

The railways’ safety record has improved thanks to lessons from history. Our goal remains – accident-free operations where passenger lives are valued above all else.

Source

• Mitra, S.K. (2000). Indian Railway: Some Reflections on Institutional Structure. Economic and Political Weekly.

• Raghuram, G. (2007). Railway disasters and safety management: A case study of Indian Railways. Transport Journal. 

• Kumar, A. (2015). Indian railways: Analysing accidents and safety. Economic and Political Weekly.

• Srinivas, S. (2008). Safety record of Indian Railways. The Hindu.  

• Ghate, A.T. and Singh, H. (2008). History of rail disasters in India. Journal of Scientific and Industrial Research.

• Saxena, S. (2020). Major Indian rail disasters that shook the nation since Independence. The Times of India.

• Mani, D. (2016). When trains went off rails: A short history of rail accidents in India. Hindustan Times.

• Sharma, A. and Ali, S. (2022). Indian Railways, then and now: Improved safety but accidents still occur. Business Standard.

• Ministry of Railways (2013). History of Railway Safety and Statement on Improvements. White Paper, Railway Board. 

• Comptroller and Auditor General of India (2013). Report on Safety and railway passenger security. Ministry of Railways.