Despite the Indian government’s ambitious claims of modernization and safety improvements, the reality on the ground tells a different story. A disturbing rise in train accidents, infrastructure neglect, and inadequate safety measures have put millions of passengers at risk. As Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw defends the administration’s progress, the mounting tragedies suggest a system veering dangerously off track.
Rising Train Accidents: A Stark Contrast to Government Claims
The Indian government insists that railway accidents have decreased over the years, citing an average of 71 accidents per year between 2014 and 2023. However, the latest data tells a different story. In just the first five months of 2024, there have already been 18 train accidents, averaging nearly three per month. This alarming trend raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of existing safety protocols and the government’s priorities.
Aging Infrastructure and Neglected Maintenance
A critical issue plaguing Indian Railways is its aging infrastructure and lack of proper maintenance. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India reported a massive ₹103,395 crore deficit for track renewal, with only ₹671 crore—just 0.7% of the allocated ₹58,459 crore—actually spent by the end of 2021. The glaring underutilization of funds meant for essential railway maintenance exposes a troubling disregard for passenger safety.
Tragic Rail Disasters Highlight Systemic Failures
Several tragic accidents have underscored these failures. The devastating Balasore rail disaster in June 2023, which claimed 296 lives and injured over 1,000, was attributed to faulty signaling. Rather than serving as a wake-up call, such incidents have been followed by continued neglect. In January 2025, a train accident in Jalgaon killed 13 and injured 15, while a Tamil Nadu collision in October 2024 left 19 injured. These incidents highlight persistent issues with derailments, signal failures, and overall system inefficiencies.
Government’s Investment Focused on Aesthetics, Not Safety
While the government promotes large-scale investments in Indian Railways, much of this funding appears directed toward high-profile, visually appealing projects such as station redevelopment and luxury trains rather than addressing fundamental safety concerns. Critics argue that this focus on aesthetics rather than function compromises the well-being of ordinary passengers who rely on trains daily.
The Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station: A Failure in Crowd Control
The crisis extends beyond derailments. The recent stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, which left 18 dead, further exposes the system’s mismanagement. Overcrowding and poor crowd control measures led to chaos, yet the railway administration initially dismissed reports of the tragedy as rumors. This lack of accountability has only fueled public outrage and calls for Vaishnaw’s resignation.
A Lack of Accountability: Ministerial Resignations in the Past vs. Present
Historically, railway ministers have stepped down following major rail disasters. Leaders such as Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1956 and Nitish Kumar in 1999 took moral responsibility for similar tragedies. In contrast, Vaishnaw remains firm in his position, insisting that ongoing modernization efforts will address safety concerns—despite growing evidence to the contrary.
The Human Cost of Railway Neglect
The human cost of railway neglect is immeasurable. Millions of passengers entrust their lives to Indian Railways daily, and they deserve a system that prioritizes their safety over optics and political messaging. If the government is serious about modernizing Indian Railways, it must shift its focus from grandiose announcements to tangible safety improvements. The question remains: how many more lives must be lost before real action is taken?
