BS EDIT: Prioritise Safety

By Business StandardPublished On Nov 7, 2025

Wake-up Call

A collision near Bilaspur exposes deep cracks in railway safety. Human error and signal lapses remain recurring threats

Expansion ≠ Safety

₹24,634 crore cleared for new tracks, but safety still lags. Fewer accidents, yet progress remains uneven and fragile

Falling Focus on Safety

Safety spending dropped from 27% of total outlay in FY19 to 21% in FY26 — even as traffic and speeds increase

Modernisation Gaps

Kavach and AI inspections show promise, but rollout is slow. Only 25 of 62 stations upgraded for electronic interlocking

Need for a Unified Plan

Scattered tech fixes aren’t enough. Safety must connect technology, infrastructure, and trained personnel under one plan

Safer, Then Faster

Full Kavach rollout, AI-based maintenance, and crew welfare can save lives. Speed matters — but safety must come first