The issue of passenger safety and recent train accidents took centre stage during a parliamentary panel meeting on Wednesday, where members of the opposition expressed concerns over delays in implementing ‘Kavach‘, an automatic train protection system designed to prevent collisions and enhance the railway network’s safety.
BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal, who heads the Parliamentary Estimates Committee, was reassured by Railway officials that the government is actively prioritizing safety measures. They emphasized that Indian Railways is continuously working to upgrade its infrastructure, with a goal of achieving world-class safety standards by 2030.
Among the key initiatives is equipping all trains with anti-collision Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, which are renowned for their safety features. This measure is intended to significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure passenger safety across the network.
Challenges ahead
Committee members raised concerns about recent train accidents, with some suggesting that sabotage might be a contributing factor. They called for a thorough investigation into these incidents. Additionally, opposition members voiced concerns over delays in land acquisition for railway projects. In response, officials noted that the speed of railway track construction has doubled over the past decade, reflecting progress despite the challenges.
(With inputs from PTI)