Title - Indian Railways spent Rs 15,767 cr in enhancing safety in last 3 years - The Economic Times

NEW DELHI: Stressing that safety is accorded the highest priority by Indian Railways, the government today said that the Ministry has spent around Rs 15,767 crore in the last three years on some of the identified safety measures.

"During last three years, approximately Rs 15,767 crore have been spent on some of the identified safety-related works...Safety is accorded the highest priority by Railways and all possible steps are undertaken on a continual basis to prevent accidents and to enhance safety," Minister of State for Railways Bharatsinh Solanki informed Rajya Sabha.

On steps taken to improve safety, he listed out the measures introduced by the Railways to prevent accidents.

"These include timely replacement of over-aged assets, adoption of technologies for upgradation and maintenance of track, rolling stock, signalling and interlocking systems, safety drives, greater emphasis on training of officials and inspections to monitor and educate staffs," Solanki said.

Railways has also introduced Auxiliary Warning Systems (AWS), Light Emitting Diode ( LED) Signals, Vigilance Control Devices (VCD), Train Protection and Warning Systems (TPWS) and Anti-Collision Devices (ACD) as measures to enhance safety of trains and passengers.

Solanki also tabled a report in the House on number of passengers who lost their lives in accidents last year.

In 2011-12, a total of 77 accidents were reported and 114 people lost their lives. The number of injured was 581.

Replying to a question on cases of loot, molestation and misbehaviour against women passengers reported in trains in 2011, Solanki tabled another report in the Upper House.