
Humsafar Express Fire : A fire incident aboard the Tiruchchirappalli-Shri Ganganagar Humsafar Express near Valsad station in Gujarat has raised concerns over passenger safety. This article discusses the recent fire incident, its aftermath, and the broader implications for rail safety in India.
Valsad, 23 september (City Times): A fire incident aboard the Tiruchchirappalli-Shri Ganganagar Humsafar Express near Valsad station in Gujarat has raised concerns over passenger safety. This article discusses the recent fire incident, its aftermath, and the broader implications for rail safety in India.
The Valsad Train Fire: A Narrow Escape
On a fateful Saturday, passengers aboard the Humsafar Express found themselves in the midst of a potentially catastrophic situation as a fire broke out. Fortunately, due to prompt actions, all passengers were safely evacuated without any reported injuries.
Humsafar Express Fire : Eyewitness Accounts and Social Media Buzz
In the age of instant communication, eyewitnesses and passengers captured the intensity of the situation on their smartphones. Videos and images circulated on social media, providing a visual account of the incident. One video in particular displayed a thick plume of smoke billowing out of the train’s coaches, drawing the attention of concerned onlookers.

Humsafar Express Fire : The Race Against the Blaze
While the immediate concern was passenger safety, railway officials and firefighters worked tirelessly to control and extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire remains unknown, making it essential for investigators to determine the root cause to prevent future incidents.
A Look Back: Rail Safety in India
In the context of this incident, it is imperative to reflect on rail safety in India. This fire aboard the Humsafar Express is not an isolated occurrence but part of a broader issue concerning railway safety and infrastructure.

A Tragic Precedent
Less than a month ago, tragedy struck at the Madurai railway station in Tamil Nadu when a fire erupted inside a compartment of the Rameswaram-bound tourist train, Bharat Gaurav. The unfortunate incident claimed the lives of at least 10 people and cast a spotlight on safety concerns within India’s railway system.
Ensuring Rail Safety: The Road Ahead
As India’s railway network continues to expand and evolve, the need for stringent safety measures becomes increasingly evident. Preventing such incidents demands a multi-pronged approach:
Investigate and Learn
Each fire incident should undergo a thorough investigation to identify its root causes. These findings should be used to implement corrective measures and prevent similar incidents.

Modernize and Upgrade
India’s railway infrastructure should be modernized and upgraded to meet contemporary safety standards. This includes better fire detection and suppression systems, as well as improved emergency response protocols.
Passenger Awareness
Passengers must also be educated on safety protocols and emergency procedures. Awareness campaigns can help in ensuring that passengers respond appropriately during crises.

Railway Accidents in India: Causes and Consequences
India’s vast railway network is the lifeline of the nation, transporting millions of passengers and goods daily. However, safety concerns have plagued this vital mode of transportation. Railway accidents, both minor and major, have been a recurring issue, causing loss of lives and property damage. In this article, we delve into the primary reasons behind railway accidents and explore the measures taken by the Indian Railways to enhance safety.
Primary Causes of Railway Accidents
1. Infrastructure Defects
The railway infrastructure, including tracks, bridges, overhead wires, and rolling stock, often suffers from defects due to poor maintenance, aging, vandalism, sabotage, or natural disasters. Much of this infrastructure dates back to the 19th and 20th centuries and has not been upgraded to meet modern standards. A lack of funds, corruption, and inefficiency further hinder development and maintenance.
Serial No. | Date | Accident Details | Casualties |
1. | June 1981 | Overcrowded passenger train blown off the track during a cyclone. | At least 800 killed |
2. | July 1988 | Express train plunged into a monsoon-swollen lake near Quilon. | At least 106 killed |
3. | August 1995 | Two trains collided 200 km from Delhi. | At least 350 killed |
4. | August 1999 | Two trains collided near Kolkata. | At least 285 killed |
5. | October 2005 | Passenger train derailed in Andhra Pradesh state, near Velugonda. | At least 77 killed |
6. | July 2011 | Mail train derailed in Fatehpur. | Around 70 killed, over 300 injured |
7. | May 2012 | Cargo train collided with Hampi Express in Andhra Pradesh. | Nearly 25 killed, about 43 injured |
8. | May 2014 | Gorakhdham Express collided with goods | 25 killed, more than 50 injured |
9. | November 2016 | Indore–Patna Express derailed in UP | 146 killed, more than, 200 injured |
10. | January 2017 | Hirakhand Express derailed in Andhra Pradesh | At least 41 killed |
11. | August 2017 | Puri-Haridwar Utkal Express derailed in Muzaffarnagar, UP. | 23 killed, nearly 60 injured |
12. | August 2017 | Kaifiyat Express derailed near Auraiya, UP, after colliding with a dump truck. | At least 70 injuries |
13. | October 2018 | Commuter train ran through a crowd during Dussehra celebrations in Amritsar | At least 59 killed, 57 injured |
2. Human Errors
Human errors are a significant contributor to railway accidents. Fatigue, negligence, corruption, or disregard for safety rules and procedures by railway staff can lead to wrong signaling, miscommunication, over-speeding, or overlooking defects. Inadequate training and communication skills among railway staff also impact their performance and coordination.
3. Signaling Failures
The signaling system, responsible for controlling train movements, can fail due to technical glitches, power outages, or human errors. Signaling failures may result in trains running on the wrong track, collisions, or overshooting stations. Clear communication is crucial to avoid accidents.
4. Unmanned Level Crossings (UMLCs)
Unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) pose a high risk of accidents as they lack barriers or signals to regulate traffic. Vehicles or pedestrians may not notice approaching trains or attempt to cross tracks when a train is near. Eliminating UMLCs and enhancing safety at manned level crossings (MLCs) remains a priority.

Railways’ Efforts to Enhance Safety
1. Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK)
The Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) was established in 2017-18 with a corpus of Rs 1 lakh crore over five years. It funds critical safety-related works like track renewals, signaling projects, and bridge rehabilitation, focusing on strengthening critical assets.
2. Technological Upgradation
The Indian Railways has introduced technological upgrades in design and features of coaches and wagons. This includes Modified Centre Buffer Couplers, Bogie Mounted Air Brake System, and Automatic fire & smoke detection systems. KAVACH, an Automatic Train Protection system, enhances safety.
3. LHB Design Coaches
Lighter, safer LHB design coaches have been introduced for Mail/Express trains. These coaches feature better anti-climbing features, fire-retardant materials, and higher speed potential compared to conventional designs.

4. GPS-based Fog Pass Device
To navigate foggy conditions, a GPS-based Fog Pass Device has been implemented. It provides loco pilots with real-time information on approaching landmarks and alerts them when nearing signals or level crossing gates, improving visibility and safety.
5. Modern Track Structure
The railways have adopted a stronger and more durable track and bridge structure. This includes using Prestressed Concrete Sleepers, high UTS rails, fan-shaped layout turnout, and Steel Channel Sleepers on girder bridges.

6. Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD)
USFD is a non-destructive testing method that detects and removes faulty rails. It ensures the tracks are free from cracks or defects that could lead to derailments. USFD enhances track safety.
7. Mechanization of Track Maintenance
Automation and optimization of track maintenance reduce human errors. Track tamping machines, ballast regulating machines, and dynamic track stabilizers ensure efficient and error-free maintenance, improving track quality and safety.
8. Interlocking System
Centralized interlocking systems eliminate manual operation of points and signals, reducing the chances of human error and enhancing safety.
9. Elimination of Unmanned Level Crossings (UMLCs)
Progressive efforts to close, merge, man, or provide subways, road underbridges, and road overbridges aim to eliminate UMLCs.

Recommendations by Committees
1. Kakodkar Committee (2012)
- Creation of a statutory Railway Safety Authority.
- Establishment of the non-lapsable Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) for safety works.
- Adoption of advanced technologies for track maintenance.
- Improvement in human resource development and management.
- Independent accident investigation.
2. Bibek Debroy Committee (2014)
- Separation of the railway budget from the general budget.
- Outsourcing of non-core activities.
- Creation of a Railway Infrastructure Authority of India.
3. Vinod Rai Committee (2015)
- Establishment of an independent Railway Safety Authority.
- Creation of a Railway Accident Investigation Board.
- Formation of a separate Railway Infrastructure Company.
- Introduction of a performance-linked incentive scheme for railway employees.
Ensuring Railway Safety: What More Can Be Done?
Invest More in Safety-Related Works
Allocate increased funds for critical safety-related works, including track renewal, bridge repair, signaling upgrades, and coach refurbishment.
Train Employees to Minimize Human Errors
Provide comprehensive and regular training to railway staff, focusing on the latest technologies, safety rules, and procedures.
Eliminate Level Crossings
Replace unmanned and manned level crossings with Road Overbridges (ROBs) or Road Underbridges (RUBs) to enhance safety.
Adopt Advanced Technologies
Expand the use of anti-collision devices (ACDs) like Kavach, Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), and Train Protection Warning System (TPWS) across the entire railway network.
Introduce Performance-Linked Incentives
Reward railway staff based on performance and compliance with safety rules and procedures to foster a safety-conscious culture.
Outsource Non-Core Work
Transfer non-core activities to private or public sector entities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Create A Statutory Railway Safety Authority
Establish a statutory railway safety authority with powers to frame safety standards, conduct safety audits and inspections, enforce accountability, and investigate accidents.
Conduct Regular Safety Audits and Inspections
Monitor, evaluate, and audit safety performance, holding railway staff, infrastructure, and equipment accountable for lapses.
Enhance Coordination and Communication
Improve communication and coordination among railway entities involved in operations to ensure seamless safety measures.
Establish a Confidential Incident Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS)
Implement a mechanism similar to CIRAS that encourages lower-level staff to report deviations in real-time while maintaining confidentiality.
Rethink Indian Railways Management Service (IRMS) Scheme
Evaluate the IRMS scheme’s impact on loyalty, ownership, and safety management, and consider revisions or modifications to enhance safety commitment.
In conclusion, ensuring railway safety in India is a multifaceted challenge that requires proactive measures, investment in infrastructure and technology, and a cultural shift toward safety consciousness. The Indian Railways has made significant strides, but continuous efforts and reforms are necessary to prevent accidents and safeguard passengers and personnel.
stark reminder of the challenges facing India’s railway system
The fire aboard the Humsafar Express serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing India’s railway system. While a catastrophe was averted thanks to swift action, it highlights the pressing need for comprehensive safety reforms. Only by learning from past incidents, modernizing infrastructure, and raising passenger awareness can India’s railways become safer for all passengers.