Railways adopt new technology to prevent accidents

NEW DELHI: Replacing old systems, adopting new technology, updating signaling system and educating staff are some of the steps Indian Railways have taken to increase safety and prevent accidents, the Lok Sabha was told today.

Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha said Railways is taking all possible steps to prevent accidents and enhance safety.

He said timely replacement of over-aged assets, adoption of suitable technologies, regular monitoring and educating staff about the issue of safety are some of the various measures adopted.

In response to a supplementary question, he said the gross expenditure on specific safety related activities has increased over the years.

In 2013-14, Rs 39,090 crore were spent on safety related activities. The budgetary estimates for 2014-15 for safety are Rs 43,443 crore, he said.

As on April 1, there were 2,25,863 vacancies in the 16 railway zones relating to posts under various categories, including safety.