India’s railway system has recently faced a series of alarming accidents, exposing significant weaknesses in the country’s infrastructure. Despite substantial investments and initiatives under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, safety concerns remain a major issue, overshadowing advancements in rail services.
Major Accident of Howrah-Mumbai Train
A recent incident involving the Howrah-Mumbai Mail derailed in Jharkhand’s Chakradharpur division, leading to the tragic deaths of two passengers and injuring over 20 others. Additionally, a goods train derailment near Mumbai caused substantial service disruptions, highlighting the ongoing safety challenges.
West Bengal CM raised concerns
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee voiced deep concerns over these recurring accidents, particularly emphasizing another derailment in North Bengal’s Phansidewa area. This incident occurred just six weeks after a similar tragedy that claimed ten lives and injured 43 people, underlining the urgent need for enhanced railway safety measures.
Budget for Railway Ministry
For the financial year 2024-25, the Ministry of Railways received a record budget allocation of ₹2.55 lakh crore, marking a 5.85% increase from the previous year’s ₹2.41 lakh crore. Despite this financial boost, the railways’ operating ratio slightly worsened from 98.10% in FY23 to 98.22% in FY25, indicating persistent inefficiencies in expenditure relative to revenue.
Political Aftermath
These incidents have fueled a political blame game, with state leaders and opposition figures questioning the central government’s dedication to railway safety. The frequency of these accidents necessitates urgent attention and comprehensive reforms to ensure passenger safety and restore confidence in one of the world’s largest railway networks.
Implementing effective measures, stringent maintenance protocols, and robust monitoring systems is crucial to prevent such mishaps and safeguard lives. If the current trend continues unchecked, it could severely impact India’s infrastructure and economic progress.