Train accidents: How Indian Railways is averting them through technology
India's Ministry of Railways reports a marked decrease in consequential train accidents, from an average of 171 annually (2004-14) to 68 (2014-24). Key technological advancements like the indigenously developed Kavach system (ATP), AI-driven predictive maintenance, and IoT-enabled sensor networks are contributing to this improvement.
New Delhi: In November 2024, the Ministry of Railways in a release contended that consequential train accidents have reduced from 135 in 2014-15 to 40 in 2023-24. The consequential train accidents during the period 2004-14 was 1,711 (average 171 per annum), which has declined to 678 during the period 2014-24 (average 68 per annum), the ministry added.
On June 2, 2023, there was a triple-train collision in Odisha's Balasore, which involved the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and a goods train. The accident, which some say is one of India's deadliest rail collisions, claimed about 300 and injured more than a 1,000 people.
The accident brought to fore the importance of ‘Kavach’ system that could have prevented them from colliding with each other.
Following the Balasore accident, routes that have 'Kavach' system have been increased. Apart from Kavach, the Indian Railways is also using AI-driven platforms to prevent accidents.
1. Kavach, originally called TCAS (Train Collision Avoidance System), is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system by Indian Railways. Adopted by the Ministry of Railways as the National ATP System in July 2020, it aims to prevent accidents by automatically applying brakes if the loco pilot fails to do so, while also offering additional safety features to help the pilot.
Kavach delivers real-time information to the loco pilot, such as signal aspects, movement authority, and target speed. These help during inclement weather too. The system presents essential information to the loco pilot via the DMI (Driver Machine Interface). In emergencies, Kavach generates and sends SOS messages to the relevant authorities.
The system goes a long way in preventing collisions by automatically stopping trains when they come within a safe distance of 380 meters from each other. Kavach utilises radio technology to enable communication between the train and trackside infrastructure. It also triggers the auto whistling mechanism when approaching level crossing gates to warn pedestrians and motorists.
Focusing on trunk routes and Automatic Signalling territories for Kavach installation, at a rate of 4,000 to 5,000 km per year, is feasible.
2. Artificial Intelligence and IoT: AI is employed to analyse vast amounts of digital data from station data loggers and microprocessors on locomotives and trains, helping to detect irregularities and enable predictive maintenance.
Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled sensors are essential for the remote monitoring of railway infrastructure. Gartner's 2024 Infrastructure Report highlighted that integrating IoT-based condition monitoring in railway networks can reduce infrastructure-related accidents by 25%. Indian Railways is progressively adopting IoT-enabled sensors for a range of applications, such as real-time monitoring of track conditions, train performance, and infrastructure health, with the goal of enhancing safety, efficiency, and passenger experience.
3. Positive Train Control (PTC): This technology makes use of GPS, wireless communication, and onboard systems to track train positions, speeds, and routes, automatically applying brakes to prevent derailments, collisions, and speeding.
4. TRI-NETRA (Terrain Imaging for Diesel Drivers Infra-red, Enhanced Optical, and Radar Assisted System): This system uses high-resolution optical, infrared, and radar-based terrain mapping to provide drivers a clear view of the track ahead, particularly during inclement weather.
5. Vehicular Anti-collision System (VACS): This system goes a long way in preventing collisions between trains and other vehicles at level crossings.
6. Mobile Train Radio Communication (MTRC) System: It helps in establishing communication between the train and the control centre, assisting in real-time monitoring and rapid response to emergency situations.
7. Surveillance and analytics: CCTV cameras and AI-driven video analytics are being used to keep tabs on and detect safety risks, unauthorised access, or activity that is suspicious. The use of Lidar technology on locomotives to identify sensitive areas for increased monitoring is being explored.
These technologies are working worders in preventing accidents. However, there's a long way to go to make railway lines accident-free. The 'Zero Accident' claim may sound a rhetoric, but it will become achievable with the right thrust. And India is on the right track.