#ThatWas2017: A year of trains' derailments, mismanagement and misery
India will remember 2017 as the year of major train mishaps. Nine derailments were reported in 27 days of August-September alone. Such is the state of the world's largest passenger system, which ferries 23 million people each day. As 2017 draws to a close, we look back at this year's consequential rail accidents, their causes, related casualties, damages, and reflect on the way forward.
Rise in train derailments in last 10 years
The number of train accidents have reduced in 10 years from 194 in 2007-08 to 104 in 2016-17. However, instances of derailments have gone up during this time. 78 derailment-related mishaps were reported in 2016-17, killing 193 people, the most in the last decade.
From Haridwar-Utkal to Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar: Train derailments that rocked 2017
Derailments made headlines for notable mishaps this year too. Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Express: 7 coaches and engine derailed in Andhra Pradesh's Vizianagaram on January 21, killing at least 32, injuring over 50. Haridwar-Utkal Express: 14 coaches derailed at Muzaffarnagar's Khatauli area on August 19. Killed at least 24. Injured over 200. Vasco Da Gama-Patna Express: Derailed in UP's Chitrakoot on November 24, killing 3, injuring 9.
Bhopal-Ujjain train: First ISIS attack in India
Other important accidents include ISIS's first attack in India - an explosion in Bhopal-Ujjain train's compartment in March, that injured 10. The engine and a power car of the Ranchi-New Delhi Rajdhani Express also derailed in September, bringing under scanner passenger safety in one of India's most reputed trains. Its slow speed, however, prevented any casualties and a major embarrassment for Indian Railways.
Indian railway tracks are ill-maintained
Trains primarily derail when tracks and engines/carriages are poorly maintained. Of India's total track length of 1,14,907km, 4,500km must be renewed every year. However, in 2015-16, tracks across only 2,700km were targeted for renewal, The Wire reported. Using the Linke Hoffman Busch (LHB) coaches can immensely help Indian Railways. During derailments, they don't pile on each other and result in fewer deaths.
Unmanned level-crossings: A threat that should no longer be ignored
Another major reason for railway mishaps is unmanned level crossings (UMLCs). Currently, India's railway network has 14,440 of them. In 2017, nine people were killed in two separate incidents of trains hitting a Bolero and an ambulance at UMLCs. Eliminating all UMLCs on broad-gauge lines by 2020 was proposed in the Union Budget 2017-18. Until then, audio-visual warning systems at crossings can significantly help.
Under-investment, slow expansion make railway tracks unsafe
According to a 2015 report called 'Indian Railways, Lifeline of the Nation,' 40% of India's 1,219 line-sections are utilized beyond 100%. Add to it under-investment and slow expansion. The route-km of railway tracks has increased by 23% since independence. However, passenger and freight traffic has gone up by 1344% and 1642% respectively, massively burdening the existing infrastructure, leading to severe congestion and safety violations.
