Indian Railways faces surge in equipment failures during first quarter

13 Jul 2023 CW Team

However, there were some improvements in electric and diesel locomotives, as well as engineering, where the number of incidents was lower than the previous year.

In April-June 2023, the national transporter reported 16,458 cases of signal equipment failures across its zones, which was 8.8 per cent higher than the 15,129 incidents recorded in the same period the previous year.

The increase in equipment failures can be attributed to the higher number of trains operating on the Indian Railways network. According to a senior Railways Ministry official, there has been a 12 per cent increase in the number of passenger trains, with 10,656 trains currently running in the country.

Additionally, an internal railways enquiry panel found that the Balasore train accident in June, which resulted in over 290 fatalities, was caused by a fault in the signalling equipment.

The data also revealed concerns about equipment failures in the newly constructed dedicated freight corridor (DFC) and passenger electric locomotives, according to another railways official who reviewed the data.

The first official mentioned that the data for the first quarter might not reflect the overall performance for the entire year due to seasonal factors such as the operation of summer specials, special maintenance drives, and monsoon preparedness.

The railways conduct a detailed analysis of each equipment failure, and corrective measures are taken to minimise their occurrence, the official added.

During the three-month period ending on June 30, the railways recorded 253 incidents of train parting, 636 OHE failures, and 3,759 cases of electric locomotive failures.

In the DFC, there has been a significant increase in electric locomotive failures, rising to 70 from 15 in April-June of the previous year. Additionally, OHE failures in the freight corridor have surged to 67 from just four incidents.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

Indian Railways witnessed a significant increase in equipment failures during the first quarter of the current financial year, as per official data. Compared to the previous year, there were more breakdowns in overhead equipment (OHE) and signalling equipment, as well as instances of wagon and coach detachments, train parting, and hot axle.However, there were some improvements in electric and diesel locomotives, as well as engineering, where the number of incidents was lower than the previous year.In April-June 2023, the national transporter reported 16,458 cases of signal equipment failures across its zones, which was 8.8 per cent higher than the 15,129 incidents recorded in the same period the previous year.The increase in equipment failures can be attributed to the higher number of trains operating on the Indian Railways network. According to a senior Railways Ministry official, there has been a 12 per cent increase in the number of passenger trains, with 10,656 trains currently running in the country.Additionally, an internal railways enquiry panel found that the Balasore train accident in June, which resulted in over 290 fatalities, was caused by a fault in the signalling equipment.The data also revealed concerns about equipment failures in the newly constructed dedicated freight corridor (DFC) and passenger electric locomotives, according to another railways official who reviewed the data.The first official mentioned that the data for the first quarter might not reflect the overall performance for the entire year due to seasonal factors such as the operation of summer specials, special maintenance drives, and monsoon preparedness.The railways conduct a detailed analysis of each equipment failure, and corrective measures are taken to minimise their occurrence, the official added.During the three-month period ending on June 30, the railways recorded 253 incidents of train parting, 636 OHE failures, and 3,759 cases of electric locomotive failures.In the DFC, there has been a significant increase in electric locomotive failures, rising to 70 from 15 in April-June of the previous year. Additionally, OHE failures in the freight corridor have surged to 67 from just four incidents.

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

Pecan Realty Completes Rs 1.5 Billion Transactions

Pecan Realty has recently completed four institutional transactions worth over Rs 1.5 billion over the past two years, strengthening its position as an execution-led real estate platform. The deals include resolution-led acquisitions, structured finance transactions and capital partnerships across its development portfolio.The transactions covered acquisitions through the National Company Law Tribunal process and helped provide repayment or exits to both private and public sector lenders. The company said the deals demonstrate its ability to resolve complex project situations, work with instit..

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

SNN Estates Expands North Bengaluru Housing Project

SNN Estates has announced an expansion of its SNN Estates Felicity residential project in North Bengaluru following strong buyer demand, with 75 per cent of the first-phase inventory sold within three days of launch.The developer will add 76 apartments in the new phase, taking the project's estimated revenue potential to around Rs 1,000 crore upon completion of Phase 2.Spread across 6.5 acres in Rachenahalli, near Manyata Tech Park, the project comprises 604 apartments in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 BHK configurations. The development includes a 50,000-sq-ft clubhouse with amenities such as sports co..

Infrastructure Urban

07 Jul 2026

SCG Drives ASEAN Industrial Transformation Strategy

SCG is strengthening its focus on ASEAN as a key growth region by advancing industrial transformation, enhancing competitiveness and building resilient regional value chains. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and Chief Executive Officer, SCG, highlighted the need for industries to continuously develop capabilities, strengthen resilience and deepen regional cooperation to achieve sustainable long-term growth.SCG views ASEAN as an important growth engine alongside China, supported by favourable demographics, trade connectivity and investment flows. With ASEAN’s GDP projected to grow by around 4.7..