195 train accidents in 2006-07

New Delhi, Mar 14 (UNI) As many as 195 train accidents took place during 2006-07 in which 208 people lost their lives and 402 sustained injuries, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

Minister of State for Railways R Velu, in reply to a question, said out of the 195 consequential train accidents 85 were attributed to failure of railway staff and 84 to non-railway staff.

He said the trend was declining from 473 in 2000-01 to 234 in 2005-06 and further to 195 in 2006-07.

''During 2006-07 disciplinary action was taken against 200 railway employees held responsible for accidents. Railways have incurred loss of property due to these accidents to the tune of Rs 31.93 crors,'' he added.

The Minister said out of the total 34,000 level crossings 18,000 were un-manned and they were a cause of concern.

Assuring the House that measures were being taken to secure them, Mr Velu said safety was a priority area with the Ministry.

''Safety measures include timely replacement of over-aged assets, adoption of suitable technologies for upgrade of maintenance of tracks, rolling stock, signaling and interlocking systems, safety drives and inspections at regular intervals to monitor and educate staff for observance of safe practices,'' he added.

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