Railway Accidents Drop to 81 in 2024-25 from 400: Vaishnaw

Synopsis

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reported a significant reduction in train accidents, stating that incidents dropped to 81 in 2024-25 from 400 in previous years. This improvement is attributed to ongoing technological advancements and procedural changes aimed at enhancing railway safety.

Key Takeaways

Train accidents decreased to 81 in 2024-25.
Previous accidents numbered around 700 during Lalu Ji's tenure.
Technological improvements are being implemented.
Zero FIR filing system introduced.
Regional cuisines to be offered on select trains.

New Delhi, April 2 (NationPress) There has been a significant enhancement in safety measures within the Indian Railways, with train accidents falling dramatically to 81 in the financial year 2024-25, down from 400 previously, as reported by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

In his comparison to the tenure of past railway ministers during the previous UPA administration, Vaishnaw stated, "During Lalu Ji’s term, there were about 700 accidents annually, while Mamata Ji's tenure saw approximately 400 accidents, and during Kharge Ji's period, there were nearly 385 accidents."

Addressing the House during Question Hour, the minister highlighted that ongoing initiatives are being implemented to adopt technological advancements and procedural reforms along with new training techniques to further minimize railway accidents across the nation.

"In the financial year 2024-25, which has just concluded, we have successfully reduced the number from 400 to 81, marking a remarkable improvement," he noted.

In response to inquiries regarding delays in filing FIRs for crimes on the railway network, the minister explained that the Government Railway Police in each state and the Railway Protection Force are actively coordinating discussions, and the government has implemented a zero FIR filing system to help resolve these issues.

Furthermore, the minister mentioned that to enhance the regional passenger experience, Indian Railways plans to introduce a variety of Indian cuisines on select trains.

This proposal was presented by the Railway Minister in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour on Wednesday.

Addressing a question from DMK’s Sumathy Thamizhachi Thangapandian regarding the absence of South Indian dishes on the Vande Bharat trains operating in Tamil Nadu, the Railway Minister indicated that a pilot initiative is being tested by Southern Railways.

The aim of this pilot initiative is to improve the travel experience by offering local dishes that reflect the culture of the specific regions served by the trains, he elaborated.