Editorial: India’s Train System Struggles While Government Follows Its Own Path

India’s Train System Faces Major Challenges

Another train derailment this week, involving the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express, resulted in at least three deaths and over 20 injuries. This incident has drawn attention to India’s once-proud train system, the world’s largest, used by millions daily. It’s the fourth derailment in recent months, with annual accidents causing numerous casualties. The recurring question is: what is Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s real agenda as he appears to neglect this vital system?

One major issue is the incomplete installation of the Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), known as Kavach. Despite having a budget of Rs 799 crore for the 2023-24 fiscal year, only Rs 322 crore was spent on Kavach, leaving many trains unprotected. This lack of prioritization is puzzling, given the available funds and the system’s importance for safety.

Additionally, the full train network has not been restored since the pandemic. Recent data shows 2,309 fewer passenger trains are running now compared to 2012-13, dropping from 12,559 to 10,250. This reduction has led to overcrowded trains, long waiting times for passengers, and reserved coaches being overused.

The current government seems to be focusing on high-profile projects like the Vande Bharat Express and the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, which alone costs Rs 1.65 lakh crore, rather than addressing the needs of the broader train network that serves India’s poorer population.