RAS question
Approximately by what percentage have consequential train accidents declined from 2014-15 to 2025-26?
Correct answer: (C) 90%.
Consequential train accidents on Indian Railways declined by approximately 90%, from 135 in 2014-15 to 14 in 2025-26 up to 28 February 2026.
Explanation
The figure is obtained by comparing the two endpoint values in the Ministry of Railways release: consequential train accidents were 135 in 2014-15 and 14 in 2025-26 up to 28 February 2026. The fall is 121 accidents, which is 121 out of 135, or about 89.6%. Rounded to the nearest option, that is a 90% decline. The PIB table also labels the 2025-26 figure as “90% lesser”, confirming that option C is the intended answer. The question is therefore testing percentage decline using official railway safety data, not a general statement about all railway incidents.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) 50% would mean accidents roughly halved, but the count fell from 135 to 14, leaving far less than half the 2014-15 level.
- (B) 70% understates the reduction because a fall of 121 from a base of 135 is about 89.6%, not close to 70%.
- (D) 99% overstates the reduction because a 99% fall from 135 would leave around one or two accidents, whereas the 2025-26 figure is 14.
Concept
This tests percentage change in infrastructure and transport-sector data under Indian Economy. RAS often asks such questions because official releases link economic governance with measurable outcomes in safety, public investment and service delivery.