Is the Indian Railways stretched beyond its capacity?

Context: 

The Balasore district, Odisha train accident raised questions about safety, signaling, and overcrowding in the railway system.

Challenges in Indian Railway:

• Lack of sincerity and shortcomings in inspections and maintenance: The vastness of the Indian Railways system leads to occasional lapses in safety measures, such as inadequate inspections, improper maintenance, and lack of training among staff.
• Inadequate signaling systems: Manual takeover of signaling during maintenance works can result in errors and increase the risk of accidents. 
• Overcrowding in general compartments: Overcrowded coaches, particularly in general compartments, pose challenges to passenger comfort and safety. 
  • Overcrowding can lead to an increased risk of accidents and fatalities.
• Balancing punctuality and safety: High-density routes face pressure to maintain punctuality, which can lead to limited time for block maintenance works on tracks. 
  • Punctuality often takes precedence over safety in such cases.

Way Forward:

• Strengthen safety systems through regular inspections and prompt addressing of shortcomings.
• Accelerate implementation of safety measures like the anti-collision device (KAVACH).
• Focus on track renewal and grade separation to improve safety and punctuality.
• Conduct judicial probes for major accidents to ensure impartial investigations.

News Source: The Hindu