Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Advocates for Subways Near Railway Tracks
Synopsis
In a vital move for public safety, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has initiated a nationwide plan to build subways near railway tracks. This ambitious project aims to reduce accidents and improve crossing facilities, particularly in populated areas. The initiative showcases a commitment to enhancing railway safety infrastructure across India.
Key Takeaways
Subways to be built near railway tracks for safety.
Nationwide plan aims for completion in five to six years.
Design to prevent waterlogging issues.
Kavach system enhancements improve train safety.
Real-time monitoring with SURAKSHA platform.
New Delhi, March 26 (NationPress) Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has instructed officials to devise a comprehensive national strategy for establishing subways adjacent to railway tracks, particularly in populated areas, to enhance safety and mitigate accidents. This initiative is designed to decrease incidents and offer safer crossing alternatives for those residing near railway lines.
The Railway Ministry has revealed that the objective is to encompass all residential regions situated near railway tracks throughout the nation within the next five to six years. Officials have been tasked with designing these subways to facilitate comfortable usage by the public. The minister also stressed the importance of constructing these structures to prevent waterlogging during the monsoon season, a prevalent issue that often deters usage.
Furthermore, the ministry indicated that the construction of these subways will be executed in a manner that minimizes disruption to train services, with installations projected to be completed within a brief timeframe of approximately 12 hours of a traffic block.
In addition to the safety infrastructure, Vaishnaw reviewed the advancement of Kavach, the homegrown Automatic Train Protection system of Indian Railways. The meeting concentrated on accelerating its implementation and incorporating cutting-edge technology to enhance train operations.
Indian Railways has rolled out various improvements in Kavach, such as a Universal Braking Algorithm that standardizes braking systems across different manufacturers. Enhancements in software, utilization of artificial intelligence in design, and improved integration with locomotives and signaling systems are contributing to the system’s reliability.
A centralized monitoring platform named SURAKSHA is also underway to facilitate real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance of Kavach installations.
To date, Kavach has been implemented over more than 3,100 route kilometers, with ongoing work across over 24,000 route kilometers, including busy corridors. Significant advancements have been made on key routes such as Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Howrah, with further expansion in progress. The system has also been integrated into thousands of locomotives, with more installations in the pipeline as Indian Railways continues to bolster safety and efficiency across its network.
Point of View
The initiative led by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reflects a proactive approach to enhancing safety around railway infrastructure. The construction of subways not only targets accident reduction but also prioritizes the comfort and well-being of residents living near railway tracks. This comprehensive strategy signals a commitment to modernizing India's railway safety measures.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of constructing subways near railway tracks?
The primary goal is to enhance safety and reduce accidents for residents living near railway lines.
How long will it take to implement the subway plan?
The plan aims to cover all settlement areas near railway tracks within the next five to six years.
What measures are being taken to prevent waterlogging in subways?
The structures will be designed to avoid waterlogging during the rainy season, which is a common issue.
What improvements have been made in the Kavach system?
Upgrades include a Universal Braking Algorithm, enhanced software, and better integration with locomotives.
How many kilometers of track have already implemented Kavach?
Kavach has been installed over 3,100 route kilometers, with ongoing work across over 24,000 kilometers.
