What are the stress factors for Indian Railways?

Recently, a passenger train collided with a stationary goods train near Chennai, adding to a string of recent accidents involving Indian trains. While the number of railway accidents has decreased over the years, the implementation of safety technologies like the ‘Kavach’ automatic train protection system is still limited. The Railways’ operating ratio is also a concern, affecting its ability to invest in safety and infrastructure. Freight services, which make up a significant portion of revenue, are facing challenges due to network congestion and changing demands. Passenger services, on the other hand, are struggling to turn a profit, leading to a complex balancing act for the Railways. Despite efforts to improve safety and efficiency, the Railways continues to face various challenges in meeting the needs of passengers and maintaining a sustainable operation.