Mumbai: Indian Railways has reported a remarkable improvement in operational safety after implementing major upgrades across its network. According to official data, the number of consequential train accidents has fallen dramatically over the last decade, marking one of the safest periods in India’s railway history.
The sharp drop in accidents reflects long-term safety reforms undertaken since 2014. Railways recorded 135 consequential accidents in 2014–15, but the number has reduced to 31 in 2024–25. The trend has further improved in the current year, with only 11 accidents reported up to November 2025. Officials noted that between 2004 and 2014, the number was significantly higher, touching 1,711 cases in ten years — an average of 171 accidents annually.
A major part of this safety transformation is India’s indigenous anti-collision technology, Kavach, which is being deployed in phases across the country. The earlier version, Kavach 3.2, had been installed on stretches of the South Central and North Central Railways. After extensive trials, the upgraded Kavach 4.0 has now been successfully commissioned along crucial national corridors.
The new system is already operational on the Palwal–Mathura–Kota–Nagda section (633 km) on the Delhi–Mumbai route and on the Howrah–Bardhaman section (105 km) on the Delhi–Howrah route. Work is also in progress to equip the remaining parts of both major corridors with Kavach.
Beyond these routes, Indian Railways has approved Kavach installation on an additional 15,512 km, covering the Golden Quadrilateral, Golden Diagonal, High-Density Networks, and other high-priority routes. Officials said the expanded implementation will significantly reduce risks and ensure faster response to potential hazards.
