Railways record 109 train mishaps during January-June

New Delhi, Jul 27 (UNI) A total of 109 train accidents occurred during the first six months of the current year, claiming 81 lives, but the government claimed that there had been a declining trend in the number of mishaps.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today, Minister of State for Railways R. Velu asserted that there had been a declining trend in the number of accidents from 473 in 2000-01 to 234 in 2005-06.

''In the current financial financial year also, there have been 57 consequential train accidents up to June as compared to 63 in the corresponding period last year,'' he said.

The minister also denied that gross violation of rules to shore the Railways' revenue had resulted in a phenomenon of the danger of train accidents looming large over the Railways.

''Safety is the prime concern of Indian Railways and every care is taken not to compromise the same,'' Mr Velu asserted.

About the measures that had led to a dwindling of train mishaps, the minister said timely replacement of overaged assets, adoption of suitable technologies for upgradation and maintenance of track, rolling stock, signalling and interlocking systems, safety drives and inspections at regular intervals to educate and monitor staff for observance of safety practices had proved fruitful.

Replying to another query, he said out of the 109 accidents during January-June this year, 10 had been or were being inquired into by the Commissioner of Railway safety and rest by departmental inquiry committees.

UNI SKS RP DS1450