Vande Bharat Vulnerable to Cattle Collisions, Railway Safety Report Warns

Last Updated Apr - 21 - 2025, 01:47 PM | Source : Fela News

A railway safety report flags structural concerns in Vande Bharat trains and urges urgent measures like fencing and design upgrades as collisions with cattle po

A recent railway safety report accessed by The Hindu reveals that the Vande Bharat Express, Indian Railways' flagship semi-high-speed train, is vulnerable to serious accidents, even from cattle collisions. Prepared by the Commission of Railway Safety under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the report raises concerns about the train’s lighter front coach, which is more prone to damage at high speeds compared to conventional locomotives.

As Indian Railways upgrade train speeds to 160 kmph, the report recommends urgent safety measures, including robust fencing along high-speed corridors to prevent cattle and human intrusions. It also suggests eliminating level crossings, deploying Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, conducting joint inspections, and building subways for safe cattle crossings. Community awareness near tracks is also advised.

The report highlights repeated cow collisions with Vande Bharat trains and warns of potential major accidents if such incidents occur at high speeds. It also points to speed restrictions due to sharp curves, which increase pressure on loco pilots, urging redesigns to ease these burdens.

Defending the train’s design, Train18 lead Shubhranshu explained that the front cone absorbs impact energy and that its lightweight, distributed propulsion system aligns with international safety standards.