131 Killed in Railway Accidents in Last Six Months

In the first half of this year, 137 railway accidents resulted in at least 131 fatalities and 110 injuries. 

Among these, the biggest 44 accidents—in which 37 people died and eight were hurt—took place in February, according to information from the Shipping and Communications Reporters Forum, which were made public on Saturday, August 5. 

SCRF figures show that in 18 accidents in March, 15 persons died and 5 were wounded. 

Twenty persons were killed and 69 were wounded in 17 incidents in April.

In May, there were 24 accidents, which resulted in 25 fatalities and 8 injuries.

22 railroad incidents occurred in June, resulting in 19 fatalities, 19 injuries, and 13 total casualties.

By observing the railway transportation system, accidents, and speaking with specialists, SCRF has determined the nine primary causes of accidents. Those are: 

Indifference of the authorities, flaws in the signaling system, hazardous level crossings, the addition of additional coaches to the engine capacity, a lack of stones in the railway tracks, risky railway bridges, a lack of modern technology, a shortage of manpower, shaky tracks, and the use of various materials including subpar sleepers and fishplates in the railway lines are all examples of issues with the railway system.

According to the SCRF's assessment, the government is placing a high priority on enhancing the railway communication infrastructure. Additionally, the money for development gives priority. The absence of adequate track renovations is causing high-speed train traffic to be hampered despite the railroads' expansion. As a result, the anticipated advantages are not realized.