Train accidents, tragically claiming lives and property, are a pressing issue demanding urgent attention. The recent collision in Phansidewa near New Jalpaiguri railway station, Darjeeling district, West Bengal on June 17th, 2024, leading to loss of at least eight lives and injuries to several others, underscores the critical need for enhanced railway safety. Caused allegedly by a cargo train driver disregarding a signal, this incident highlights the urgent need for stringent measures to minimize human error, improve track maintenance and ensure strict adherence to signal protocols.

Despite a steady decline in train accident fatalities, India's rail safety record remains concerning. In 2021, the National Crime Records Bureau, which gathers and analyses crime statistics in India, reported a staggering 18,000 railway accidents, resulting in the tragic deaths of over 16,000 individuals.

While train collisions garner significant attention, an overwhelming number of fatalities stem from individuals falling from or being struck by trains, prompting the realization that a comprehensive safety strategy must extend beyond derailment prevention to encompass these prevalent hazards.

Daily, over 12 million individuals utilize 14,000 trains across India, traversing 64,000 kilometres (40,000 miles) of railway lines. Notwithstanding governmental efforts to enhance railroad safety, several hundred mishaps occur yearly, principally attributable to human negligence or antiquated signalling systems.

Understanding Human Error in Railway Operations:

Railway operations, like any complex system, are susceptible to human error. These errors can stem from factors like fatigue, miscommunication, negligence, inadequate training, or mental overload. We can categorize these errors into three main types:

• Skill-Based Errors: These occur during routine tasks when inattention or slips lead to mistakes.
• Rule-Based Errors: These arise from the misapplication or disregard of established safety rules and procedures.
• Knowledge-Based Errors: These occur due to a lack of knowledge or understanding of a specific situation, leading to incorrect decisions.

Combating human error in railways demands a comprehensive strategy that encompasses advanced technology, rigorous training programs, and the promotion of a robust safety culture.

Loopholes in Safety Concerns of the Indian Railways:

The Indian Railways, a behemoth spanning the nation, stands as a testament to the country's infrastructure prowess. However, its vast network harbours significant safety concerns, stemming from a multitude of loopholes that require immediate attention.

One pressing issue is the aging infrastructure. Tracks, bridges, and signalling systems, often decades old, struggle to meet modern safety standards. Frequent maintenance delays and a lack of comprehensive modernization exacerbate the situation, leaving the network vulnerable to accidents.

Human error also plays a significant role in railway accidents. Misinterpretation of signals, lapses in driver vigilance, use of addictive and inadequate training contribute to the problem. Long working hours add to the fatigue, further increasing the risk of human error.

Srinand Jha, a railways expert from the International Railway Journal, explained that Indian trains operate on mixed tracks, with both passenger and freight trains sharing the same lines. This shared infrastructure, coupled with heavy usage, leads to severe congestion and a shrinking window for essential maintenance, putting significant strain on the railway system.

Jha acknowledges that major railway projects launched by the government have stimulated rail travel, necessitating system advancements through improved track maintenance and signalling. However, he emphasizes that these aspects warrant increased focus to enhance the safety and efficiency of the railway network. Greater attention to these areas can help mitigate potential risks and ensure a robust and reliable transportation system.

A report released in 2022 by India's auditor general revealed a concerning trend: spending on basic railway maintenance had declined since 2017, resulting in significant safety lapses.

A glimmer of hope in preventing future train accidents lies in the newly unveiled Automatic Train Protection System (KAVACH), a homegrown anti-collision technology introduced in March. Significantly, KAVACH, meaning 'armour' in Hindi, has the potential to avert such tragedies. Experts have stated that the recent accident could have been avoided had the device been operational on the train.

Technological Solutions:
Automatic Train Control (ATC) Systems:
The pursuit of safe and efficient train operations can lead to the development of sophisticated Automatic Train Control (ATC) systems. These systems automate essential functions like speed control, adherence to speed limits, and maintaining safe distances between trains. By taking over these tasks, ATC systems significantly reduce the risk of accidents caused by human error.

Positive Train Control (PTC):
Building upon the foundations of ATC, Positive Train Control (PTC) takes safety to a new level. This advanced system utilizes GPS, wireless communication, and onboard computers to monitor and control train movements in real-time. PTC's ability to automatically stop or slow down a train exceeding speed limits, approaching a stop signal, or entering a work zone, can effectively negate the potential for human error in critical situations.

Signal Automation and Interlocking Systems:
Further enhancing safety on the tracks, signal automation and interlocking systems can play a crucial role in preventing accidents due to miscommunication or disregard of signals. These systems ensure accurate signal settings, preventing conflicting train movements and ensuring that trains do not enter occupied tracks. Drivers receive clear, unambiguous signal information, minimizing the risk of misinterpretation and subsequent accidents.

Driver Assistance Systems:
Advanced driver assistance systems can provide real-time feedback and warnings to drivers. These systems use sensors and cameras to monitor track conditions, signal status, and train performance. If the system detects an anomaly, it can alert the driver and take corrective action if necessary. This technology acts as an additional layer of safety to prevent human errors.

Training and Education:
Comprehensive Training Programs:
Effective training programs are critical for reducing human error in transportation. Comprehensive training should include both theoretical knowledge and practical simulations. Drivers must become proficient in signal recognition, emergency procedures, and the operation of advanced safety systems, with regular refresher courses to ensure they stay abreast of the latest safety protocols and technologies.

Simulation-Based Training:
Simulation-based training offers a safe environment for drivers to practice responding to various scenarios, developing the skills necessary to handle emergencies, accurately recognize signals, and make decisive decisions under pressure. This type of training can significantly minimize the risk of errors during real-world operations.

Human Factors Training:
Training programs should also address human factors, such as fatigue management, stress reduction, addiction (cigarette, pan masala, khaini, alcohol, any other addictive agent) management, and cognitive load management. Drivers need education on the importance of rest, healthy lifestyle choices, and techniques for maintaining focus during prolonged shifts. By understanding and mitigating human factors, we can effectively reduce errors caused by fatigue and stress, contributing to a safer transportation environment.

Organizational and Cultural Measures:
Safety Culture:
A strong safety culture is essential within railway organizations. Management must prioritize safety, foster a reporting environment, and emphasize continuous improvement. Regular audits, transparent communication, and a commitment to improvement can cultivate a culture that values safety above operational efficiency.

Fatigue Management Programs:
Fatigue poses a significant risk in railway operations. Fatigue management programs address this concern through proper scheduling, adequate rest, and driver alertness monitoring. Technologies like fatigue detection systems monitor driver alertness in real-time, enabling timely interventions to mitigate risks.

Error Reporting and Analysis:
A non-punitive error reporting system encourages the identification of potential safety issues before accidents occur. Analysing errors and near-misses provides insights into systemic issues and areas for improvement. Corrective actions based on this analysis enhance overall safety and reduce the likelihood of future errors.

Policy and Regulatory Measures:
Ensuring Rigorous Safety Measures:
Stringent safety regulations and standards are paramount, enforced by governments and regulatory bodies. These mandates should encompass the adoption of advanced safety technologies, comprehensive training programs, and fatigue management systems. Regular inspections and audits guarantee compliance and identify improvement areas.

Encouraging Safety Investments:
Incentivizing railway companies to prioritize safety investments is crucial. Grants, tax benefits, and recognition programs motivate companies to implement measures that minimize human error. By investing in safety technologies and training programs, railways can expedite the adoption of best practices.

Fostering Collaboration and Information Exchange:
Collaboration among stakeholders is key to enhancing railway safety. Establishing platforms for information sharing and collaboration both at national and international level enables the industry to learn from best practices and innovations. By working together, railway companies, regulatory bodies, and technology providers can collectively reduce the incidence of accidents.

International Collaboration:
To significantly enhance safety and mitigate accidents on Indian Railways, international collaboration and the adoption of foreign technology are crucial. Key areas for collaboration include modernizing signalling infrastructure by partnering with European countries utilizing the European Train Control System (ETCS), adopting Positive Train Control (PTC) technology from the USA, collaborating with Japan and Germany on advanced track maintenance techniques ATMT), and partnering with countries employing advanced Driver Training Simulators (DTS) to improve the skill set of Indian train operators. Moreover, implementing Automated Warning Systems (AWS) from countries with sophisticated railway networks can ensure timely alerts for potential hazards, further contributing to overall safety improvements.

Conclusion:
Being one of the largest railway networks globally, the Indian Railways faces considerable safety challenges due to several critical loopholes. Outdated tracks, trains, bridges, and signalling systems pose a significant threat. Frequent maintenance delays and insufficient modernization exacerbate the risk of accidents. A significant portion of accidents stem from human error, including misinterpreting signals and lapses in driver vigilance. Insufficient training and excessive working hours compound this issue.

Despite increased railway spending by the Indian government in recent years, experts emphasize that safety enhancements remain inadequate. The majority of these funds have been allocated towards improvements in speed and comfort, leaving a critical need to address the safety concerns posed by the countless aging trains still operating on India's vast railway network, one of the largest in the world.

In February, 2023 railway manager Hari Shankar Verma reported a 'serious unsafe' incident to the government. A train driver prevented a head-on collision at Hosadurga Road Station in Mysore by noticing a false green signal and halting the train. Verma's letter to the government expressed concern about 'serious flaws in the system' and the violation of interlocking principles.

Trains routinely operate beyond their designated capacity, causing increased wear and tear, and raising the risk of derailments and collisions. A strong safety culture is often absent within the organization. Employees may hesitate to report safety concerns due to fear of repercussions, leaving risks unaddressed. The pace of implementing advanced safety technologies like Automatic Train Protection (ATP) systems, Positive Train Control (PTC), and modern signalling systems is sluggish. This modernization delay perpetuates the risk of accidents.

Budgetary constraints often hinder infrastructure upgrades and the implementation of advanced safety measures, making it challenging to maintain high safety standards. Addressing these loopholes is paramount to enhancing the safety and reliability of the Indian Railways. The tragic collision in Phansidewa underscores the urgent need for these measures. By prioritizing safety, manpower enhancement, railway tracks maintenance, signalling infrastructure upgradation, introducing driver alertness detection equipment and leveraging technology, we can strive for a future where train accidents become a rarity, safeguarding the lives of passengers and railway staff and preventing giving a bad name to the country.

References:

1. FRA PTC Overview
2. PTC Implementation Status
3. ERTMS Overview
4. ETCS Technical Specifications
5. UIC Safety Publications
6. AAR Technology & Safety Initiatives
7. NTSB Fatigue Management Resources
8. JR East Safety Initiatives
9. JR Central Safety Measures
10. Deutsche Bahn Technology Overview
11. Transportation Research Record
12. Journal of Rail Transport Planning & Management
13. https://time.com/6284837/india-train-accident-odisha-railway-safety/
14. https://time.com/6989249/deadly-train-crash-india-darjeeling/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_term=world_&linkId=471568312