98 died, 290 injured in rail accidents during April-November

NEW DELHI: During April-November period of the current year, 98 persons died and 290 persons received injuries in train accidents, other than incidents of trespassing at unmanned level crossings, Rajya Sabha was informed today.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said during Question Hour that the number of accidents during the period also went up to 63 compared to 48 in the same period last year due to increase in derailments.

"During the current year from April to November, 2014, 63 consequential train accidents took place on Indian Railways wherein 98 persons lost their lives and 290 persons received injuries," he said.

The minister, however, excluded incidents of trespassing at unmanned level crossings caused due to negligence of road vehicle users.

"Improvement in train safety is a continuous process and constant upgradation of technology is being adopted in a continuous manner in all spheres of railway operations and infrastrcuture to prevent accidents and to enhance safety," he said.

To a separate question, Prabhu said there were 1.2 lakh vacancies in safety-related posts in the Indian Railways at present.