1. What major railway accident occurred in India in 2023?
In 2023, a severe railway accident involving two express trains and a goods train occurred at Balasore in Odisha, resulting in over 290 deaths.
2. Is the safety record of Indian Railways improving?
Statistically, Indian Railways’ safety record shows improvement, but recent times have seen a rise in fatal accidents, especially collisions and fire mishaps.
3. What is KAVACH, and why is its slow induction a concern?
KAVACH is an indigenous anti-collision system for trains. Its slow implementation is concerning due to the increasing number of train collisions.
4. Why is the speed restriction of freight trains considered retrograde?
Restricting the speed of freight trains due to issues with rolling stock brakes is seen as a setback, highlighting the need to address the underlying technical problems.
5. How has the recruitment scheme affected engineering expertise?
The Indian Railway Management Service recruitment scheme’s shortcomings have led to a lack of new engineers, reducing the pool of necessary engineering expertise.
6. What impact does the GatiShakti scheme have on railway safety?
The transfer of infrastructure works to divisions under GatiShakti may distract field officers from focusing on train safety due to increased involvement in project activities.
7. What problems arose during the recent festival season?
Overcrowding of trains during the festival season led to untoward incidents, partly due to a decline in the availability of unreserved coaches.
8. How does the new promotion policy affect railway operations?
The new policy, which results in senior officers being superseded by juniors, may cause demoralization and affect the overall efficiency and safety in operations.
9. What challenges are straining railway resources?
Higher loading targets, pressure to add more passenger trains, and extensive infrastructure projects are straining available resources and impacting safety.
10. What measures are suggested to improve railway safety?
Renewed focus on staff training using simulators and other technological aids is crucial to enhancing railway safety in India.
These FAQs highlight the challenges and urgent needs in improving railway safety in India, emphasizing the necessity of technological upgrades and better resource management.
SRIRAM’s
