Railway Safety Overhaul: Minister's Response to Banerjee's Claims

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that rail accidents have drastically reduced in the last 10 years compared to Mamata Banerjee's tenure. He attributed this achievement to enhanced safety measures, including the Kavach protection system, in contrast to the ineffective anti-collision devices used previously.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that rail accidents have significantly decreased over the past decade, a period during which Mamata Banerjee's tenure as railway minister saw higher accident rates. Vaishnaw was addressing comments made by the West Bengal Chief Minister, who criticized the Indian Railways for frequent derailments.

Vaishnaw stated, 'During Mamata Banerjee's period and Congress' period, the number of accidents was 171 per annum. We have relentlessly worked on safety over the last 10 years and reduced this number to less than one-third of what it was during their period.'

Highlighting efforts to improve railway safety, he mentioned the ongoing installation of the Kavach automatic train protection system. Vaishnaw noted that during Banerjee's term, an anti-collision device was introduced but had to be withdrawn after 1,000 km due to lack of proper testing and certification. In contrast, Kavach has achieved the highest safety certification, known as SIL 4.

Earlier in the day, Banerjee criticized the railways following a minor derailment incident in Jalpaiguri district. 'What is happening with the Railways? Even today, there is news of a derailment. The Railways has created a world record in derailments, but nobody says anything?' she remarked to reporters in Birbhum.

(With inputs from agencies.)