Mr. Suresh Prabhu's comments come in the wake of increasing train accidents in recent months.

The Indian Railways needs to launch 'Zero Accident Mission' in a definite time frame, Railway Minister, Suresh Prabhu, said here on Saturday.

His comments come in the wake of increasing train accidents in recent months.

Addressing the concluding session of the two-day International Railway Convention on 'Advances in Command, Control and Communication Systems for Main Line, Metro and High Speed Transit Systems', Mr. Prabhu said that the main thrust of any transport organisation should be on safe and secure transportation with zero scope for accidents.

He said the 'Zero Accident Mission' would require the railways to adopt an integrated approach involving use of cost-effective advanced technology and trained manpower.

“New advances in command, control and communication systems can play a very vital role in evolving safe and secure operation environment on Indian Railways where there should be no scope for accidents even in case of human errors,” he added.

On accidents in unmanned railway crossings, Mr. Prabhu said development of suitable technology that provides suitable indications about approaching trains and any obstruction on track is a necessary.

He also said while the country should focus on global benchmarks, “we should try to develop indigenous, cost-effective systems having global standards suitable for Indian Railways."

Mr. Prabhu also invited foreign delegates and companies attending the conference to collaborate and manufacture in India, which has skilled manpower, a big market and large manufacturing base.