The press release stated that measures are being taken to modernize the Indian Railways to enable level crossing (LC) locking of up to 10,097 level crossings till December 31 to enhance safety at the LC gates. It will complete station track circuits to increase safety by verifying track occupancy by electrical means, which has been done at 6,665 stations up to December 31.
Automatic block section release axle counters, BPAC (Block Proving Axle Counter), are provided to ensure complete train arrival without manual intervention before clearing the line to receive the next train and to reduce the human element. These systems have been delivered to 6,142 block sections up to and including December 31.
Automatic block signaling (ABS) will increase line capacity within the existing rail infrastructure, which was provided on 6,625 route km until December 31. Other measures to improve reliability by embedding redundancies in the various signaling systems are included, namely the provision of dual detection systems, redundancy in power supplies, redundancy in transmission media, etc.
Electrically operated lifting barriers are provided at interlocking sliding boom level crossing gates to increase reliability and improve train operation. Maintenance of signaling assets is planned and executed during Rolling Block, introduced in the Indian Railways (Open Lines) General Rules vide Gazette notification dated November 30, 2024, wherein work for integrated maintenance/repair/replacement of assets is planned and executed up to 52 weeks in advance on a rolling basis.
Detailed instructions have been issued on issues related to safety of signaling, for example, mandatory correspondence control, change work protocol, preparation of completion drawing, etc. The system of disconnecting and reconnecting S&T equipment as per the protocol has been re-emphasized. In addition, regular guidance and training of staff takes place.
In view of the above measures, signal interference has decreased by approximately 58 percent over the past eleven years. Furthermore, due to various safety measures taken over the years, there has been a sharp decline in the number of accidents, the press release said.
Safety and well-being of track maintenance employees
The following measures have been taken for the safety and well-being of track maintenance personnel: Track maintenance workers are equipped with essential safety equipment when working in hazardous environments. The main safety equipment, such as retro reflective safety jackets (luminous vests), safety shoes, gloves, safety helmet with detachable miner’s light, tri-color Light Emitting Diode (LED) 3-cell flashlight, raincoat, winter coat, etc., have been provided to them.
To increase efficiency and reduce physical strain on these workers, lightweight tools and equipment such as wrenches, hammers, crowbars, etc. have been provided. In addition, battery/hydraulic powered machines and automated systems have been designed for light maintenance tasks such as removing/inserting fittings, tightening bolts, lubricating rail joints, etc., to minimize physical fatigue and improve productivity.
Mechanized maintenance of tracks using different types of track machines has been introduced for all types of strenuous jobs such as tamping, ballast cleaning, lifting and alignment of tracks, as well as rail grinding, cutting and drilling, etc., to reduce manual efforts. Multi-purpose vehicles/railway vehicles have been made available for track maintenance to mobile gangs.
To strengthen safety practices, counseling and medical examinations are conducted regularly. Training courses are provided regularly to increase awareness of potential hazards. The ‘Personal Safety First’ program with good safety protocols is implemented through seminars and workshops, where these employees are trained in ‘How to stay safe while working on or near the circuit’.
Regular training programs on railway safety rules, use of machinery/tools, first aid, etc., are conducted through Zonal Training Centers (ZTC) with practical and visual training aids for better appreciation. As far as the welfare measures for the employees are concerned, they are provided with gang tools and rest area, gang huts, toilets at the manned railway crossing, water bottle (2 liters, heat insulated), family accommodation to take care of the education and health of the dependents.
Furthermore, risk and hardship allowances have been provided, depending on the nature of the job of the track maintainers. Flexibility in the schedule depending on climatic conditions and requirements is allowed. Recognition and awards for exemplary performance in track safety and maintenance are made to encourage track maintainers.
The VHF-based approaching train warning system provides an advanced warning to staff via a portable VHF receiver device when the Advance Starter Signal is turned green for the approaching train in the block section. These devices are made available to staff working on all railway lines, for extra safety in addition to normal protective measures.
This system is being gradually introduced on the Indian railway network. According to the release, approximately 340 block sections have been covered with this system to date. As a result of the above safety measures, the number of deaths among railway workers during track maintenance work has fallen by 66 percent from 196 in 2013-2014.
The Railways follows a compensation mechanism under which an amount of ₹ 25 lakh (with effect from January 1, 2016) as ex-gratia lump sum compensation is paid by the Railways to the family/dependents of an employee who loses his/her life due to accidents in the line of duty. Compensation for death and injury to railway passengers in train accidents. Victims of train accidents receive ex-gratia compensation shortly after an accident or untoward incident.
The total amount of ex-gratia paid by the railways to the relatives of the deceased in train accidents during the last three years (2022-23 to 2024-25) is ₹30.75 crore. Compensation for death and injury to train passengers in railway accidents and untoward incidents, as defined under Section 124 and Section 124-A (read with Section 123) of the Railways Act, 1989, shall be determined by the Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT) on the basis of a claim application filed by the victims/their family members before RCT and it shall decide the cases after following due process of law.
The Railway Administration will pay compensation if RCT grants a decision in favor of the claimant and the Railways decide to implement the decision. The compensation amount is above the ex gratia amount, according to the waiver. The amount of compensation paid by the railways to the relatives of those killed in train accidents during the last three years (2022-23 to 2024-25) is ₹23.53 crore.
It may be noted that the compensation paid in a year does not necessarily have to relate only to the accidents/casualties in that year. The amount paid in a year depends on the number of cases resolved by Railway Claims Tribunals (RCTs) or other courts in a given year, regardless of the year(s) in which the accidents occurred.
Compensation will be paid within 30 days of receipt of the judgment. This information was provided by Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a written reply to questions in the Rajya Sabha today.
Published on February 7, 2026
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