According to Central Railway, the average number of train derailments has significantly decreased to 0.24 per day in 2023-24, down from 1.2 per day between 2004 and 2014. During that earlier period, approximately 445 derailments occurred each year, with 171 on the main line and 274 in railway yards.
Drop in number of train derailments
Between 2004 and 2014, the Central Railway reported an annual average of approximately 445 derailments, equating to about 1.2 incidents per day. Of these, 171 occurred on the main line and 274 in railway yards. In stark contrast, the number of derailments has significantly decreased to 89 in 2023-24. This year, 40 of these incidents took place on the main line, while 49 occurred in the yards, resulting in an average of roughly 0.24 derailments per day.
So far in 2024, there have been a total of 43 derailments, with 20 happening on the main line and 23 in various yards, maintaining the same average of 0.24 per day.
Indian Railways reports uptick in malicious attacks
Central Railway attributes this significant decline in derailments to ongoing efforts to upgrade infrastructure and enhance operational protocols. However, they also highlight the increasing malicious attacks against Indian Railways, which detract from the hard work of its 1.2 million-strong workforce and dedicated support teams. The Railways emphasized the importance of recognizing these efforts amid challenges posed by external entities.
As the national transporter, Indian Railways aims to achieve zero accidents each year, and public expectations are understandably high. Central Railway emphasized that everyone is working diligently toward this goal of eliminating derailments across the entire network.