“Whenever there is an accident we talk about anti-collision devices and other safety measures... But we do not have a long-term policy... We have decided this time that we have to go ahead in terms of short-term vision and long-term vision,” she said in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour.

The minister said a “zero-tolerance” approach towards accidents would be accepted for the next ten years, adding, “If we plan for it now, we can certainly do it.”

She said about Rs 13,000 crore would be required to install anti-collision devices throughout the rail network and sought funds from the Finance Ministry.

To a member’s remark that thousands of people have died in accidents in last six months, the minister said the number of accidents had decreased.

“In case of big railway accidents the loss of lives is somewhere in the range of 700 to 800 people. But even if there is one death, we are sorry for it and apologise for it,” she said.

Stating that safety of passengers was her top priority, Banerjee said a meeting of the railway department was held from time to time to review the measures. “Every 15 days, we hold a meeting of the Safety Review Committee. I hold meetings of the full Railway Board to look into safety measures. We have also decided to appoint a special officer for this purpose,” she said.

Anti-collision devices have so far been installed only in the Konkan Railways. The department is in the process of installing ACDs in South Central, Southern and Western Railways and Rs 127 crore has been given for it.