India Railway Accident Data 2023: Over 21,000 Deaths Reported with Maharashtra and UP Leading in Fatalities

295 people lost their lives and over 1200 sustained injuries following a tragic collision involving 3 trains in Odisha's Balasore.

New Delhi:

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report, 21,803 individuals perished in 24,678 railway accidents across India in 2023, with Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh recording the highest number of fatalities.

The report indicates that among all railway accidents in 2023, 56 cases occurred due to driver error, while 43 train accidents resulted from mechanical defects including poor design, track faults, or bridge or tunnel collapse.

Analysis of railway accident classifications revealed that incidents categorized as 'fall from trains or collision with people at track' constituted the majority (74.9 percent) of railway accidents, accounting for 18,480 out of 24,678 cases. These incidents were responsible for 15,878 deaths, representing 72.8 percent of all railway accident fatalities.

Maharashtra reported the highest number of such incidents, accounting for 29.8 percent (5,507 cases) of total 'fall from train or collision of trains with people at track' cases.

The total 24,678 railway accidents reported in 2023 represent an increase of 6.7 percent compared to 2022 (23,139 cases). These accidents resulted in injuries to 3,014 people and 21,803 deaths nationwide.

Maharashtra led with the maximum railway accidents, accounting for 22.5 percent (5,559 cases), followed by Uttar Pradesh at 13 percent (3,212 cases).

These two states also recorded the highest fatalities in railway accidents, with Maharashtra accounting for 15.8 percent (3,445 deaths) and Uttar Pradesh accounting for 14.4 percent (3,149 deaths).

Of the 3,014 people injured in railway accidents in 2023, 2,115 cases were reported in Maharashtra alone.

The report indicates that most railway accidents (3,771 cases) occurred between 6 pm and 9 pm, accounting for 15.3 percent of total incidents. Another 15 percent (3,693 cases) took place between 9 am and 12 noon.

According to the NCRB report, railway accident causes include driver fault, sabotage, signalmen's error, mechanical failure, and other causes.

Regarding railway crossing accidents, Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number, accounting for 41.3 percent (1,025 out of 2,483 cases), followed by West Bengal (32.4 percent, 805 cases) and Madhya Pradesh (15.1 percent, 375 cases).

In terms of fatalities at railway crossings, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh reported the highest numbers, accounting for 44.9 percent (1,007 out of 2,242 deaths), 25.9 percent (581 deaths), and 16.7 percent (375 deaths) respectively in 2023.