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The Vande Bharat Express, India's flagship semi-high-speed train, has become a symbol of the nation's progress in railway technology and infrastructure. Designed and manufactured indigenously, it boasts advanced features such as the Kavach automated train protection system, aiming to provide a safe and efficient travel experience. However, recent concerns regarding the train's safety, particularly in the event of collisions with cattle and potential damage at high speeds, have prompted a response from the Southern Railway and raised important questions about the balance between speed, safety, and the challenges of operating in a diverse and complex environment. The Commission of Railway Safety, a statutory body responsible for railway safety oversight, has flagged potential risks associated with the Vande Bharat's operation at speeds of up to 160 km per hour, especially concerning collisions with cattle on the track. The report also highlighted the lighter weight of the first coach compared to those attached to regular locomotives, suggesting it might be more susceptible to damage at high speeds. These concerns are significant, considering the Railways' broader plans to increase the speed of regular trains to 160 km per hour, which necessitates robust safety measures both onboard and along the tracks. The Southern Railway, responding from its Chennai headquarters, emphasized the train's high safety standards and highlighted the design of the front nose cone, which is specifically intended to absorb impact energy in the event of a cattle hit. The nose cone is constructed from a material that crumbles upon impact, dissipating the energy and mitigating potential damage to the train. Furthermore, a cattle guard is installed at the front of the train to deflect objects from the track. The railway authorities assert that these measures have been effective in preventing major disasters due to cattle collisions. The issue of cattle collisions is not new. Since the launch of the Vande Bharat Express in February 2019, there have been numerous reports of the train encountering cattle on the tracks. In response to these incidents, Western Railways initiated the erection of metal barriers along the 620-kilometer Mumbai-Ahmedabad route in January 2023, incurring a cost of approximately Rs 243 crore. Railway officials claim that over 3,500 kilometers of tracks have been fenced since then. Additionally, recommendations have been made to eliminate level crossings along Vande Bharat routes to further reduce the risk of accidents. The Commission of Railway Safety has also suggested deploying Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel to areas frequented by cattle and constructing subways for animal movement to facilitate safe passage across railway tracks.
Chief Public Relations Officer M Senthamil Selvan further emphasized the effectiveness of the Kavach system, noting that Vande Bharat trains have collectively traveled around 3.5 crore kilometers, or approximately 870 times the Earth's perimeter, demonstrating a proven track record of safety and efficiency. As of December, there were more than 136 Vande Bharat services in operation. The government's commitment to expanding the Vande Bharat network was reaffirmed during the budget presentation in February, when Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced plans for 200 new Vande Bharat trains as part of a broader initiative to accelerate rail travel. The debate surrounding the Vande Bharat Express highlights the complex challenges of modernizing railway infrastructure in a country with diverse landscapes, dense populations, and significant agricultural activity. While the train represents a significant technological advancement and a symbol of national pride, its operation must be carefully managed to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and the public. The concerns raised by the Commission of Railway Safety are valid and warrant thorough investigation and proactive measures to mitigate risks. The design of the train, particularly the nose cone and cattle guard, is intended to minimize the impact of collisions, but the effectiveness of these features needs to be continuously evaluated and improved. Fencing along railway tracks is an important step in preventing cattle from straying onto the tracks, but it is a costly and time-consuming process. Furthermore, fencing alone may not be sufficient to address the problem entirely, as cattle can still find ways to breach or circumvent the barriers. The elimination of level crossings is another crucial measure to enhance safety, but it also requires significant investment and careful planning to minimize disruption to local communities. The deployment of RPF personnel to areas frequented by cattle and the construction of subways for animal movement are valuable strategies for reducing the risk of collisions, but they require effective coordination and collaboration between railway authorities, local governments, and communities. The Kavach system plays a vital role in preventing accidents by automatically controlling train speed and braking in response to potential hazards. However, the system's effectiveness depends on its proper implementation and maintenance, as well as the training of train operators. The overall success of the Vande Bharat program hinges on a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the technological aspects of the train but also the operational, infrastructural, and environmental factors that contribute to railway safety.
The implementation of such a holistic approach requires a significant investment in infrastructure, technology, and human resources. It also requires a strong commitment to safety from all stakeholders, including railway authorities, government agencies, train operators, and the public. Furthermore, it is essential to foster a culture of transparency and accountability, where concerns about safety are promptly addressed and corrective actions are taken. The Vande Bharat Express has the potential to revolutionize rail travel in India, providing a faster, safer, and more comfortable experience for passengers. However, realizing this potential requires a concerted effort to address the challenges and mitigate the risks associated with its operation. This includes investing in infrastructure improvements, implementing robust safety measures, promoting responsible behavior among train operators and the public, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The ongoing debate about the Vande Bharat Express highlights the importance of balancing progress with safety. While it is essential to embrace technological advancements and strive for greater efficiency in transportation, it is equally important to prioritize the safety and well-being of passengers and the public. The Vande Bharat Express is a testament to India's engineering capabilities and its ambition to modernize its railway infrastructure. However, its success will ultimately be measured not only by its speed and efficiency but also by its safety and reliability. The railway authorities have a responsibility to ensure that the Vande Bharat Express operates at the highest safety standards and that all necessary measures are taken to prevent accidents. This includes continuously monitoring the train's performance, addressing any concerns raised by the Commission of Railway Safety, and investing in infrastructure improvements and safety technologies. The public also has a role to play in promoting railway safety. This includes being aware of the risks associated with railway travel, following safety instructions, and reporting any potential hazards to the authorities. By working together, railway authorities, government agencies, train operators, and the public can ensure that the Vande Bharat Express remains a symbol of progress and safety for India's railway network. The future of the Vande Bharat Express depends on the collective effort to address the challenges and mitigate the risks associated with its operation. By prioritizing safety and investing in infrastructure improvements, India can realize the full potential of this remarkable train and transform its railway network for generations to come. The discussions surrounding the Vande Bharat's safety extend beyond just the train itself; they touch upon broader issues related to infrastructure development, animal management, and the need for a multi-faceted approach to safety in India's rapidly evolving transportation landscape. Continued scrutiny, investment, and collaboration are crucial to ensuring the Vande Bharat Express and other future high-speed rail projects can safely and effectively serve the nation.
Source: "High Speeds...": Railways Bats For Vande Bharat Amid Safety Concerns