Are Train Accidents in Indian Railways Increasing Due to Staff Shortage?

The Indian Railways has faced a series of challenges in recent years, including a notable increase in train accidents. While these accidents can stem from various factors such as infrastructure issues, human errors, technical failures, and natural disasters, one of the significant contributors highlighted by experts is the shortage of staff. This article explores the relationship between staff shortages and train accidents in Indian Railways, urging for immediate measures to tackle this critical issue.

Manpower Shortages Leading to Extended Working Hours

According to reliable sources within the Indian Railways, there was a significant increase in train accidents in the fiscal year 2022-2023. Unlike the previous year when 35 consequential train accidents were reported, 48 such accidents were recorded in 2022-23. Additionally, the number of non-consequential train accidents numbered 162, with 35 cases involving Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD).

The Railway Board emphasized that one of the primary reasons for this rise in accidents could be the prolonged working hours of loco pilots due to acute manpower shortages. Sources stated that, on average, loco pilots were working 35.99, 34.53, and 33.26 hours in the months of March, April, and the first half of May 2023, surpassing the 12-hour daily limit without any leave or rest.

The Railway Board has urged urgent measures to fill vacant positions and reduce the workload on existing staff. The Board expressed grave concern over the increase in consequential train accidents and directed the safety organization to be proactive. It also requested general managers to critically analyze the long working hours of crew, particularly in the East Coast Railway and South East Central Railway.

The Safety Implications of Overworked Staff

The overworked condition of loco pilots poses a significant risk to train safety. The Railway Board emphasized that these prolonged working hours, when done regularly, could lead to unsafe conditions and degrade the overall safety of train operations. This situation is compounded by the fact that the stress levels of these pilots are increasing, potentially jeopardizing the safety of train passengers and staff.

According to the All India Loco Running Staff Association, 392 loco pilot positions were vacant in different categories within the Southern Railway zone. Despite the restoration of all train services following the pandemic, these vacancies have remained unfilled, leading to increased stress on pilots who are working extended hours without proper rest or leave.

Urgent Measures to Address the Issue

The Railway Board has taken stringent actions to address these issues. For instance, in March and April of 2023, the railway board flagged the manpower shortage in the Southern Railway to its general manager, highlighting the severity of the situation. The board directed the management to take immediate measures to fill these vacancies and reduce the long working hours of pilots.

Additional measures proposed by the board include sensitizing loco pilots about the dangers of SPAD and installing fences along the railway tracks to prevent derailments caused by cattle crossing the tracks. The board also emphasized the importance of adhering to the 12-hour duty hour limit and avoiding any violations of this rule.

Conclusion

Staff shortages in Indian Railways are a significant factor contributing to increased train accidents, particularly SPAD cases. The safety of train operations demands immediate attention and proactive measures. Urgent steps must be taken to fill vacant positions and ensure that pilots are not working beyond the prescribed duty hours to safeguard the safety of passengers and the overall railway network.