The Railway Board has raised serious concerns over train safety after data revealed that 18 out of 28 derailments recorded in the 2025-26 financial year occurred at turnouts. Turnouts, also known as points and crossings, are critical components of railway tracks that allow trains to switch from one track to another. The high proportion of accidents at these junctures has prompted the board to call for enhanced maintenance protocols and stricter monitoring.
Details of Derailments
According to official data presented before the board, a total of 28 derailments were reported across the Indian Railways network between April 2025 and March 2026. Of these, 18 incidents took place at turnouts, accounting for nearly 64% of all derailments. The remaining 10 derailments occurred on main lines or other sections of the track. The board noted that most of the turnout-related derailments were attributed to poor maintenance, faulty components, or human error during operations.
Safety Concerns
The Railway Board has expressed serious concern over the recurring nature of such incidents. In a recent review meeting, board members emphasized that turnouts are particularly vulnerable to wear and tear due to the heavy stress they endure. They directed zonal railways to conduct immediate inspections of all turnouts on high-density routes and to replace any defective components without delay. The board also stressed the need for better training of track maintenance staff and stricter adherence to maintenance schedules.
- Immediate Inspection: All turnouts on high-density routes must be inspected within a week.
- Component Replacement: Defective parts should be replaced promptly to prevent accidents.
- Staff Training: Enhanced training programs for maintenance personnel to identify potential issues early.
Previous Incidents
This is not the first time that turnout-related derailments have come under scrutiny. In the previous financial year, 2024-25, the Railways reported 22 derailments at turnouts out of a total of 35 derailments. The persistent nature of the problem indicates systemic issues that require comprehensive solutions. The board has now mandated that all divisions submit a detailed report on the condition of turnouts and the steps taken to improve safety.
Way Forward
The Railway Board has announced a multi-pronged strategy to address the issue. This includes the deployment of advanced monitoring technologies such as ultrasonic flaw detection on turnouts, increased frequency of inspections, and the introduction of a dedicated safety audit for points and crossings. Additionally, the board is considering a revision of maintenance norms to make them more stringent. The goal is to reduce the number of derailments at turnouts to zero in the coming years.
Railway officials have assured the public that safety remains the top priority and that all necessary measures will be taken to prevent such incidents. The board has also warned that any negligence in maintenance will be dealt with strictly, and accountability will be fixed at all levels.
