New Delhi: Indian Railway’s Narendra Modi government-era flagship train is seriously vulnerable to accidents, particularly cattle collisions, a report submitted by the Commission of Railway Safety said. The report raises concerns about structural issues of the train’s leading coach, which is lighter than conventional coaches or engines and has more risk of damage at higher speeds, The Hindu reported.
This comes when the Indian Railway intends to move forward with plans to operate trains at 160 kmph. The report has suggested certain safety measures, and the key among them is the installation of reinforced fencing along the high-speed corridors to prevent public intrusions, including animals. Further, the report recommends the elimination of level crossings.
According to the Commission’s report, to address the recurring incidents of cattle ingress, the railway must deploy Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel at vulnerable locations, with regular patrols and construction of subways, which will allow farmers to move their cattle safely across tracks.
According to Financial Express, India’s semi-high-speed train Vande Bharat currently runs 136 services and 62 of them were initiated in 2024 alone. The trains were manufactured at Integral Coach Factory Chennai, RCF Kapurthala, and MCF Raebareli. At the moment, long-distance sleeper rakes are also being produced. However, the implementation of Vande Bharat was without ample planning or deliberation. The trains are reportedly running at speeds that are significantly lower than proclaimed, which has disturbed the operation of usual train services and recurring incidents of cow collisions.
The Commission’s reports suggest that collisions with animals at higher speeds could potentially result in major accidents.
When the report demands deployment of RPF, it also suggests joint inspections by RPF and railway officials, along with community awareness initiatives for residents living near railway tracks.