Despite technological progress, India’s railway network continues to depend heavily on manual operations. Signal overruns, inconsistent communication systems, and regionally varied signalling practices increase the risk of human error — often leading to tragic accidents.
On November 4, 2025, a passenger train in Chhattisgarh passed a red signal and collided with a stationary goods train, resulting in 11 deaths. The incident exposed persisting weaknesses in the signalling, communication, and braking systems across several rail zones.
Britain introduced the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS), which automatically slows or stops a train if it exceeds speed limits or passes a red signal. A stronger version, TPWS+, covers high-speed routes. Since its nationwide rollout in 2004, Britain has reported almost no fatal train-to-train collisions.
Europe uses the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) combined with the European Train Control System (ETCS). This network continuously transmits speed and route information to the driver’s cabin, automatically activating brakes when limits are breached. All new or upgraded rail lines in Europe are now required to include this technology.
Following the 2011 Wenzhou train crash that killed 40 people, China implemented the Chinese Train Control System (CTCS) and Train Collision Early Warning System (TCEWS). These technologies use satellite and radio communication to track trains in real time. Since then, no major train-to-train collision has occurred on China’s high-speed lines.
India has developed its indigenous Kavach system, which automatically halts trains before a potential collision. However, it currently covers only a few thousand kilometres of the country’s 68,000-km railway network. Implementation remains slow, and many older routes still depend on manual operations.
A Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) is an electric passenger train designed for short and medium-distance routes. With motors distributed across several coaches, it can accelerate and brake rapidly, making it ideal for high-frequency regional services.
To ensure long-term railway safety, India should:
• Expand the Kavach system across the national network.
• Upgrade all routes to electronic signalling systems.
• Strengthen driver training and rest schedules.
• Implement robust real-time communication tools.
• Treat rail safety as an essential investment, not an optional expense.
United Kingdom (2024–25): 8 train collisions, 1 death.
European Union (2023): 841 railway deaths — mostly from trespassing.
China: Zero major train collisions since 2011.
India (2023): Over 21,800 railway-related deaths, including derailments and collisions.
Technology, training, and discipline — not blame — save lives. Britain automated signalling, Europe standardized communication, and China established strong system backups. India must adopt all three approaches to eliminate train collisions and create a safer, modern railway network.
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