Train accidents down 88% in 12 years: Here's how Indian Railways did it

Indian Railways says consequential train accidents have fallen by 88 per cent over the past 12 years. Only two such accidents have been recorded so far in 2026–27, with safety upgrades driving the improvement.Indian Railways has recorded an 88% drop in consequential train accidents over 12 years. The Railways credits technology, infrastructure upgrades and improved maintenance for the improvement.Indian Railways has reported an 88% decline in consequential train accidents over the past 12 years, with only two such accidents recorded so far in the 2026-27 financial year. The Ministry of Railways said the improvement is the result of sustained investment in technology, infrastructure and maintenance aimed at making train travel safer.The figures were shared by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Lok Sabha, where he said safety continues to be the Railways' highest priority.WHAT ARE CONSEQUENTIAL TRAIN ACCIDENTS?Consequential train accidents are serious operational accidents such as collisions, derailments, fires and accidents at level crossings that affect train operations and safety. The Railways said these incidents have steadily declined over the past decade.WHAT HAS CHANGED?According to the Ministry of Railways, several safety measures have helped reduce accidents, including:Expansion of electronic interlocking systems at 6,671 railway stations to reduce human error.Complete elimination of unmanned level crossings on the Broad Gauge network.Wider use of LHB coaches, which are designed to offer better safety during accidents.Improved track maintenance and inspection practices.Deployment of the indigenous Kavach 4.0 automatic train protection system.KAVACH ROLLOUT CONTINUESThe Railways said Kavach 4.0 has already been commissioned on 2,490 route kilometres, covering parts of the high-density Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah corridors.Implementation work is also under way on 21,937 route kilometres, while installation is being carried out on 7,435 locomotives and 1,200 EMU/MEMU trains.MORE INVESTMENT IN SAFETY The Ministry said investments in track renewal, bridge upgrades, signalling systems and rolling stock have increased over the past decade. It also pointed to higher production of LHB coaches and a sharp reduction in weld failures as part of its broader railway safety strategy.Indian Railways says the sharp decline in consequential train accidents is the result of long-term investments in technology, infrastructure and maintenance. With only two such accidents reported so far in 2026-27, the focus remains on expanding safety systems such as Kavach and modernising the railway network.- EndsPublished By: vaishnavi parasharPublished On: Jul 30, 2026 11:12 IST