Only two rail accidents in Q1

Railway safety in India has been strengthened through modern technology, infrastructure and advanced maintenance as only two consequential train accidents were recorded in FY26-27 (FY27), the Railway Ministry said on Wednesday.

“Safety is given the highest priority in Indian Railways. Various safety measures taken over the last few years have resulted in a sharp decline in the number of accidents, including collisions and derailments,” the ministry said in a statement.

Data shared by the ministry shows that the number of consequential train accidents declined from 135 in FY2015 to 31 accidents in FY2025, 16 accidents in FY2026 and only 2 in FY27 by June.

The ministry also said expenditure on security-related activities has increased over the years from ₹39,200 crore in FY2014 to ₹1,14,022 crore in FY2025, ₹1,17,693 crore in FY26 and an estimated ₹1,20,389 crore in FY27.

Detailing the measures taken to boost safety, the ministry said: “Electrical and electronic interlocking systems with centralized operation of points and signals have been provided at 6,671 stations by June 30, 2026, to reduce accidents due to human failure. Interlocking has been provided at 10,395 level crossing gates to enhance safety.”

The statement said that after extensive and detailed trials, Kavach version 4.0 has been successfully operationalized on 2,490 route kilometers by July 13, 2026, covering the high density Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah routes.

Kavach – an indigenously developed automatic train protection system – assists the loco pilot in running trains within a specified speed limit. If the loco pilot fails to stop the train he automatically applies brakes. It also helps in running trains safely during bad weather.