No major train accidents in 2024, yet over 22,400 died in railway incidents: NCRB Report

New Delhi: Despite zero railway accidents reported in 2024, a staggering 22,413 people lost their lives in various incidents on railway tracks and premises across India, according to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data.

The NCRB recorded a total of 25,397 incidents on railway tracks and in railway premises during the year — a 2.9% increase from 24,678 incidents in 2023.These incidents resulted in 22,413 deaths and 3,136 injuries.

"Falling from trains or colliding with people on railway tracks accounted for the highest number of fatalities, with 17,029 deaths — making up 76.06% of the total. Another 5,384 people died in incidents within railway premises, such as explosions and fires," says the report.

Railway level crossing accidents :Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 32.7% of all railway crossing accidents, recording 618 out of 1,892 cases nationwide. It was followed by West Bengal at 29.0% (549 cases) and Kerala at 13.7% (260 cases).

A similar trend was observed in fatalities. The three states together accounted for over 75% of all deaths at railway crossings.Uttar Pradesh reported the highest fatalities at 32.3% (610 out of 1,888 deaths) in railway crossings, followed by West Bengal with 29.1% (549 deaths) and Kerala with 14.1% (267 deaths).

Falls from trains :Maharashtra accounted for the largest share at 28.9% deaths caused by falls from trains or collisions on railway tracks.

These incidents are largely concentrated in the suburban rail networks of major cities, where overcrowding leads to risky practices such as travelling on footboards or attempting to board moving trains.

October recorded the highest number of such incidents, contributing 8.8% of the annual total. The spike is largely attributed to heavy passenger movement as people travel back to their hometowns for festivals.

Morning rush period

The early morning period between 6 am and 9 am saw the highest number of incidents on railway tracks and in railway premises across the country.

As many as 3,874 incidents — accounting for 15.3% of the total 25,397 cases — occurred during these three hours. This was followed closely by the 9 am to 12 pm slot, which recorded 3,808 incidents, or 15.0% of the total.

In contrast, Maharashtra reported the maximum number of incidents during late evening and night hours. The state accounted for 15.5% (896 cases) between 6 pm and  9 pm , and 15.1% (872 cases) between 9 pm  and 12 midnight.

These data highlights the vulnerability of morning rush hours, likely due to heavy commuter movement in most of the railway stations, while Maharashtra’s high incidence of evening and night-time incidents mostly on its suburban railway network.