Major accidents bring attention to the need for railway safety and evoke various responses from different quarters.
A comprehensive and objective analysis is necessary to identify and address safety issues effectively.
Over the last two decades, the number of derailments and accidents has significantly decreased.
This achievement demonstrates improved safety performance despite increased freight loading and passenger traffic.
Steps to be taken
Establishing a system for real-time reporting of unsafe practices or situations can help prevent accidents.
Encouraging lower-level staff to report deviations confidentially can provide valuable insights and enable prompt corrective actions.
The traditional top-down approach to inspections and supervision may lead to a lack of transparency, suspicion, and window dressing.
A shift towards empowering staff to report and rectify deviations can foster a culture of safety and accountability.
Can Take inspiration from successful models like the Confidential Incident Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS) used in British Railways
The Indian Railways should introduce a similar reporting system to encourage proactive reporting of safety concerns.
Implementing a reporting system requires a change in mindset throughout the railway management hierarchy.
It is essential to foster an environment where the focus is on correction rather than punishment, listening to staff at all levels, and acting upon their concerns.
While implementing reporting systems, it is crucial to emphasize the need for physical infrastructure as well as a change in management attitudes.
The success of the system relies on creating a shared commitment to safety and a willingness to address issues raised by frontline staff.
Ensuring railway safety requires continuous effort and commitment, even when it lacks glamour or attention.
Sustained focus on safety, unremitting hard work, and an unwavering commitment to preventing accidents are necessary for long-term success.
Railway safety
The recently introduced Indian Railways Management Service (IRMS) scheme should be critically evaluated to ensure it does not undermine discipline-specific expertise and commitment to safety within the management cadre.
Considering the significant investments and challenges faced by the Indian Railways, there may be a need to reconsider having a full-time Cabinet Minister for Railways.
This would ensure undivided attention and focus on policymaking and decision-making related to railways.
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