Seven coaches of a goods train derailed in north India on Saturday, a local police officer said. No injury or death was reported in the mishap. The train derailment occurred near the Amroha area of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. As a result, normal train traffic was disrupted.
This was the second train derailment in north India in the past three days. On Thursday a passenger train derailed in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda area, killing four persons and injuring several others.
India’s railway system once considered the lifeline of the nation, is now facing significant challenges that reflect its outdated infrastructure and systemic inefficiencies. Established during the British colonial period, the Indian Railways has long been overdue for modernization and overhaul. Unfortunately, it has become a symbol of neglect, mismanagement, and backwardness in the country’s transportation sector.
One of the primary issues plaguing the Indian railway system is its antiquated infrastructure. Much of the network relies on tracks, bridges, and trains that are decades old and have not been adequately maintained or upgraded. This has led to frequent breakdowns, delays, and an overall decline in service quality. The outdated signaling systems and lack of automation further contribute to the inefficiency and unreliability of train operations.
Overcrowding is another persistent problem. With the population continually growing, the demand for rail travel far exceeds the capacity of the trains and stations. Passengers often face severe congestion, with many having to travel in cramped, uncomfortable conditions. This not only affects the travel experience but also raises serious safety concerns.
Mismanagement and poor governance have exacerbated the woes of the Indian Railways. Corruption, bureaucratic red tape, and lack of accountability have hindered effective decision-making and resource allocation. Investments in modernization and safety measures are often insufficient and poorly implemented. As a result, the railway system remains stuck in a state of disrepair and inefficiency.
The government’s lack of prioritization of the railway sector is evident. While there are grand announcements of new projects and modernization plans, the actual implementation and follow-through are lacking. This has resulted in a stagnation of progress and an inability to keep pace with the needs of a rapidly developing country.
The Indian Railways is also notorious for its high incidence of fatal accidents and disasters. Some of the most tragic incidents include:
- The Gaisal Train Disaster (1999): A head-on collision between two trains in West Bengal resulted in over 285 fatalities and hundreds of injuries.
- The Khanna Rail Disaster (1998): A collision between a passenger train and a freight train in Punjab led to the deaths of over 200 passengers.
- The Amritsar Train Tragedy (2018): During a festival celebration, a train ran over a crowd watching fireworks, killing around 60 people.
- The Kalinga-Utkal Express Derailment (2017): The derailment in Uttar Pradesh caused 23 deaths and injured over 100 people, highlighting the frequent maintenance issues.
These incidents underscore the critical safety issues and the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the railway system.
In summary, the Indian railway system is a stark example of neglect and inefficiency. It is burdened by outdated infrastructure, severe overcrowding, mismanagement, and a lack of government prioritization. The frequent accidents and disasters further highlight the urgent need for modernization and safety improvements. Without substantial and effective reforms, the railway system will continue to be a major impediment to India’s progress and development.
Source:- https://english.news.cn/asiapacific/20240721/b9570eb6f50a44d49b141158ae030614/c.html