India’s flagship Vande Bharat Express trains are facing safety challenges, particularly with collisions involving cattle at high speeds. A recent report by the Commission of Railway Safety, accessed by The Hindu, reveals concerns over the design of the leading coach of the Vande Bharat trains. The lighter construction of the train’s front coach makes it more vulnerable to damage when colliding with cattle at speeds of up to 160 km/h, which Indian Railways plans to implement on several routes.
The report calls for immediate safety interventions, including the installation of sturdy fencing along high-speed railway corridors to prevent cattle and human intrusions. It also emphasizes the need to remove level crossings along such routes to reduce collision risks.
Indian Railways’ push for speed upgrades has already seen multiple incidents of cattle collisions, prompting calls for stronger measures. The report recommends the deployment of Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel at key locations, along with regular patrols and the construction of subways for farmers to move cattle safely across railway tracks.
The Vande Bharat Express, known for its semi-high-speed capabilities, is manufactured at several facilities across India, including ICF Chennai and MCF Raebareli. As of December 2024, 136 services of the Vande Bharat Express were operational. Despite the advancements, the growing number of cattle-related incidents at high speeds raises alarms about the safety of these modern trainsets.
Shubhranshu, the former Principal Chief Mechanical Engineer of ICF and lead behind the Train18 prototype (later named Vande Bharat), defended the safety of the train. He explained that the train’s design incorporates features to absorb impact, including a crumple zone at the front and a specially designed cattle guard to deflect obstacles. He noted that distributed propulsion and lighter front coaches are globally recognized standards that don’t compromise the safety of the trains.
As Indian Railways aims to meet the growing demand for high-speed travel, these safety concerns underscore the need for careful planning and infrastructure improvements to ensure the safety of passengers and prevent further accidents.