The Indian Railway Board has issued strict directives to all zones following a concerning trend in track safety. Data from the 2025-26 period shows that 18 out of 28 derailments occurred at turnouts, which are specific points where trains switch from one track to another. This high percentage has prompted the board to shift its focus from simple track renewal to intensive daily maintenance and monitoring of these sensitive points.
New safety protocols for track inspection and Key-man duties
The Railway Board has introduced several changes to strengthen ground-level monitoring. Key-men will now inspect double rail lines by walking in the direction opposite to train movement to ensure better safety and visibility. Only Trackmaintainer Grade-I employees with 2800 grade pay will generally be assigned this crucial role to ensure high expertise during inspections. Detailed instructions have been sent to all zones to create specific action plans for track maintenance.
- Special attention will be given to sensitive locations like bridges and sharp curves.
- Main Track Engineers will directly monitor the progress of these safety action plans.
- Data integrity in the Track Management System is being prioritized to prevent reporting errors.
- Manual and mechanical inspections will be increased at all turnout points.
Technical upgrades and infrastructure plans for 2025-26
To reduce the risk of accidents at track switching points, the railway is upgrading its infrastructure with modern components. The plan for the current financial year includes the installation of thousands of advanced switches and crossings. This move is part of the broader goal to bring Indian Railways safety standards on par with developed nations as train frequency and speeds continue to increase.
| Infrastructure Component | Installed in 2024-25 | Planned for 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| Thick Web Switches | 7,161 | Over 8,000 |
| Welded CMS Crossings | 1,704 | Over 3,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are turnouts a major concern for Indian Railways safety?
Recent reports show that nearly 65 percent of derailments in 2025-26 happened at turnouts, the points where trains change tracks. This has made them a high-priority area for safety improvements.
What is the new rule for Key-man inspections?
Key-men must now walk against the direction of trains on double lines during track inspections. Also, only Trackmaintainer Grade-I staff are preferred for this role to ensure better safety standards.
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