Railways to procure modern equipment for faster detection of fracture on rail tracks

In the wake of two derailments in less than two months, Railway ministry has decided to procure the latest technology to ensure passenger safety, reducing dependence on manual system.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Monday described the two incidents of derailments, as ‘very sad’.

“I am very angry about the derailments. We have to bring down such cases. For that, safety inspections have to be more vigorous. We have to procure modern equipment for safety inspection on a war footing to avoid manual exercise,” he said.

The railways will now procure modern equipment for faster detection of fracture on rail tracks. For more upgradation, experts from Japan and Korea would also examine the existing safety mechanism and suggest ways to strengthen it.

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Prabhu instructed all railway officials to involve in inspection on a regular basis.

PSUs under railways, like IRCON, RITES and RVNK would also be involved in checking safety parameters and suggest measures to repair loopholes, if any. About the status of special railway safety fund, he said,

“There will be no dearth of funds for safety works. We have written to the finance ministry for the special fund and the minister has agreed in principle for it. We were also assured of more safety funds this time.”

About train fares, Prabhu said, “Earlier there was no competition for railways. But now situation has changed. Budget airlines are directly competing with our premier service.”

With PTI Inputs