Hyderabad, June 03: BRS leader Dasoju Sravan criticizes the Indian government’s handling of the recent train accident in Balasore and highlights the lack of progress in implementing anti-collision technology, despite its availability. According to Sravan, the Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) was developed under former Railways Minister Mamata Banerjee in 2011-12. However, the Modi government renamed it as #Kavach but failed to deploy this vital rail safety technology.
Sravan emphasizes some key facts that he believes every Indian should be aware of. He points out that out of the total 68,043 km route length of Indian Railways, the Kavach/anti-collision system has been installed on only 1,445 km, representing a mere 2% of the railway network. This means that a significant 98% of Indian Railways routes lack any anti-collision devices or systems.
Sravan expresses his concern over the government’s focus on inaugurating more Vande Bharat high-speed trains, especially when a vast majority of the railway network lacks anti-collision technology. He questions the wisdom of deploying new high-speed trains on a network where only 2% of it is equipped with such safety measures.
Sravan contends that a functioning anti-collision system could have prevented the tragic train crash in Balasore. He blames the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their alleged criminal negligence in ignoring available railway safety technology since 2012. According to Sravan, the focus on PR and photo-ops related to Modi’s Vande Bharat project, rather than prioritizing safety, has resulted in the loss of over 233 lives and injuries to more than 900 people in a single night.
Sravan concludes by calling for the immediate resignation of Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, urging him to consider his conscience, sense of responsibility, and shame in light of the tragic incident.
