Railways – Indian Railways Reports Major Gains in Signalling Safety and Worker Protection
Railways – Indian Railways has significantly upgraded its signalling network and strengthened safety measures for both passengers and frontline staff, resulting in a sharp fall in system failures and on-duty fatalities, according to information shared in Parliament.
Expansion of Electronic Signalling Across Stations
As part of its ongoing infrastructure overhaul, Indian Railways has replaced outdated mechanical signalling with advanced electronic interlocking systems at 6,660 stations as of December 31. These systems centralise the operation of points and signals, improving coordination and reducing the scope for manual error.
The railway network has also interlocked 10,097 level crossing gates to improve operational safety. In addition, track circuiting — which verifies track occupancy using electrical detection — has been completed at 6,665 stations, enabling more reliable monitoring of train movements.
To further automate operations, Block Proving Axle Counters (BPAC) have been installed across 6,142 block sections. These devices confirm that a train has fully cleared a section before permission is granted for the next train to enter, minimising reliance on manual confirmation. Automatic Block Signalling has also been introduced over 6,625 route kilometres to increase line capacity within existing tracks.
Railway authorities have incorporated multiple redundancies in signalling systems, including dual detection mechanisms and backup power and communication channels. Power-operated lifting barriers with sliding booms have been deployed at interlocked level crossings to enhance operational reliability.
Maintenance of signalling assets is now conducted under a structured Rolling Block system, notified in November 2024. Under this framework, integrated maintenance, repairs, and replacements are planned up to 52 weeks in advance and executed in a phased manner.
Officials stated that strict protocols have been reinforced for correspondence checks, alteration procedures, preparation of completion drawings, and reconnection of signalling and telecommunications equipment. Regular staff counselling and technical training sessions are also being conducted to maintain high safety standards.
These combined measures have led to a 58 percent reduction in signalling failures over the past 11 years. Railway authorities also reported a substantial decline in accidents during the same period.
Safety Equipment and Welfare for Track Workers
Parallel to signalling upgrades, Indian Railways has expanded safety and welfare provisions for track maintenance staff. Workers engaged in hazardous environments have been supplied with essential protective gear, including reflective jackets, safety footwear, helmets with detachable lights, gloves, LED torches, raincoats, and winter clothing.
To reduce physical strain, lighter hand tools have replaced conventional heavy equipment. Battery-operated and hydraulic machines are now used for tasks such as tightening bolts, lubricating rail joints, and fitting components. Mechanised track maintenance using specialised machines has been introduced for demanding jobs like tamping, ballast cleaning, rail grinding, cutting, and alignment.
Mobile maintenance teams have been equipped with rail-borne and multi-utility vehicles to improve mobility and response time. Regular medical examinations, safety counselling, and structured training sessions are conducted through Zonal Training Centres, using practical demonstrations and visual learning tools.
A “Personal Safety First” programme has been rolled out through seminars and workshops to educate workers on safe practices while working on or near tracks. Welfare measures include provision of rest rooms, gang huts, toilet facilities at manned level crossings, insulated water bottles, and family accommodation in select locations. Risk and hardship allowances are provided based on job requirements, and duty rosters are adjusted to account for climatic conditions.
The VHF-based Approaching Train Warning System has been introduced progressively to provide advance alerts to track workers through handheld receivers when a train enters a block section. So far, 340 block sections have been covered under this system.
As a result of these initiatives, fatalities among track maintenance staff have declined by 66 percent compared to 2013–14 levels.
Compensation Framework for Employees and Passengers
Indian Railways provides an ex-gratia compensation of Rs. 25 lakh to the family of any employee who dies in the course of duty, a policy effective from January 1, 2016.
For passengers affected by train accidents or untoward incidents, immediate ex-gratia relief is disbursed. Over the past three financial years from 2022–23 to 2024–25, Rs. 30.75 crore has been paid to the next of kin of deceased passengers as ex-gratia support.
Compensation under Sections 124 and 124-A of the Railways Act, 1989, is determined by the Railway Claims Tribunal based on claims filed by victims or their families. Once a decree is awarded and implemented, the compensation is paid in addition to the ex-gratia amount. During the same three-year period, Rs. 23.53 crore has been disbursed as tribunal-awarded compensation.
Officials clarified that compensation paid in any given year may relate to cases finalised during that year, regardless of when the accident occurred. Payments are released within 30 days of receiving the tribunal’s judgment.
The details were provided by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.