Context : The Vande Bharat Express, India’s flagship semi-high-speed train under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, has been hailed for its speed and comfort. However, a recent safety report has raised concerns about its vulnerability to accidents, especially during cattle run-overs.
Relevance : GS 3 (Infrastructure)
Key Safety Concerns Highlighted in the Report
- Vulnerability to Collisions:
- The leading coach of Vande Bharat is significantly lighter than a traditional locomotive.
- At high speeds (160 kmph), even a minor obstruction or cattle run–over can lead to serious accidents.
- Design Limitations:
- Unlike conventional trains with heavy locomotives at the front, Vande Bharat has a distributed power configuration (trainset model).
- This leads to less impact resistance in case of frontal collisions.
- High-Speed Risks:
- Current track infrastructure and absence of robust fencing expose trains to frequent trespassing and cattle intrusion, especially in rural stretches.
Recommendations by the Safety Report
- Physical Infrastructure:
- Sturdy fencing must be installed along routes where Vande Bharat operates at high speeds to prevent cattle and human trespass.
- Level crossings must be eliminated and replaced with overpasses or underpasses (especially on 160 kmph corridors).
- Trespass Management:
- Railways must identify high-risk zones prone to cattle and human movement.
- Implement subways, patrolling, and deployment of RPF (Railway Protection Force) at such points.
Counterview by ICF Engineer (Shubhranshu)
- Front-End Design Justification:
- The nose cone is designed to crumple, absorbing impact energy to minimize damage.
- A cattle guard/scoop is installed to deflect obstructions on tracks.
- Weight Argument:
- The lighter design is intentional and standard in EMUs/MEMUs globally, and is not inherently unsafe.
- Distributed propulsion allows better acceleration and energy efficiency.
- Comparative Design Philosophy:
- Worldwide, modern trainsets do not rely on heavy locomotives and yet operate safely under strict corridor protection.
Structural & Operational Gaps
- Speed vs. Safety Infrastructure Mismatch:
- India is running high-speed trains on semi-modernized tracks without adequate fencing or full-grade separation.
- Under-prepared Ecosystem:
- Rapid rollout of Vande Bharat trains (136 services as of Dec 2024) is not matched with supporting safety upgrades in tracks, crossings, and patrols.
Wider Implications
- Public Safety Risk:
- Frequent nose damage and accidents due to cattle hit have already been reported — raising questions on readiness for full-speed operations.
- ‘Make in India’ Under Scrutiny:
- While a major success story, the sustainability and safety of the Vande Bharat model may come under criticism if systemic support is lacking.
Way Forward
- Comprehensive Corridors:
- Treat Vande Bharat corridors akin to dedicated freight or bullet train tracks with strict access control.
- Upgrade Safety Protocols:
- Integrate thermal cameras, animal sensors, geo-fencing, and real-time alerts into train operation systems.
- Policy-Level Interventions:
- Ensure inter-ministerial coordination between Railways, Environment (for cattle protection), and State authorities to manage encroachment and rural interface.
