Consequential train accidents decreased in 2018-19: Economic Survey

With the several steps taken by the railways on a regular basis for passenger safety, train accidents have come down drastically in 2018-19, says the Economic Survey.

The number of consequential train accidents decreased to 59 in 2018-19, compared with 73 in the previous year. In 2019-20 (April-October 2019), 41 consequential train accidents took place, said the survey tabled in Parliament.

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The Indian Railways with over 68,000 route-kilometres is the third-largest network in the world under single management, has been taking number of steps to prevent accidents and enhance safety of passengers.

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During 2018-19, the Indian Railways carried 120 crore tonnes of freight and 840 crore passengers, making it the world's largest passenger carrier and fourth-largest freight carrier.

Revenue earning freight loading by Indian Railways in 2018-19 was 12,215 lakh tonnes as against 11,596 lakh tonnes during 2017-18, registering a rise of 5.34 per cent.

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The national transporter also registered increase in transporting passengers. Passengers originating stood at 84,390 lakh in 2018-19 as compared to 82,858 lakh in 2017-18.

Modernisation of railway network and cleanliness is a continuous process and it has taken number of initiatives in this issue, said the survey.