From The Hindu Archives, March 12, 1976: Technical aids to prevent train accidents

Madras, March 11: Lapses on the part of railway staff were the main cause for collisions and derailments on the Indian Railways during 1974-75. Out of 762 cases, nearly two-thirds (504) were due to this. Next in order came failures of mechanical equipment which accounted for 132 cases. Sixty cases were accidental. As many as 16 derailments took place due to defective track, seven due to sabotage and 26 as a result of failures not involving railway staff. In 17 cases, causes of derailment could not be established.

A review of Accidents on Indian Railways by the Railway Ministry had estimated the losses to railway rolling stock, engines, and permanent way at Rs. 10.49 crores during 1974-75.

Safe running of trains depended on the vigilance and efficient performance of duties by railwaymen. The traffic density in certain parts of the Indian Railway system was among the highest in the world. Adequate training to railway staff, enforcement of correct methods of working, effective supervision and motivation, and increasing use of technology formed the basis of accident prevention policy on the Railways. Safety organisation had been relentlessly carrying on its task of instilling safety consciousness among the staff particularly those connected with train operation.

The Psycho Technical Cell had also evolved many tests for determining the job requirements of operating personnel to assess the skills and abilities essential for professional success and safe working. All categories of operating staff had been brought within the purview of these aptitude tests. Research was also continuing to identify the factors precipitating in personal errors of the operating staff.

The review pointed out that struggle to eliminate dependence on human element had been the prime consideration of Railways. It had provided technical aids ranging from simple interlocking of points and signals to advanced system like track circuiting, ultrasonic flaw detectors, vigilance control devices and the like. Automatic train control which caused an audio-visual indication in the driver’s cab when he approached a fixed stop signal at danger had been provided. If this was also ignored, special steps were being taken to provide suitable equipment to ensure that the train was automatically brought to a halt on principal trunk routes and suburban sections.