Railways safety initiative on the right track, but not yet full steam ahead

Rlys plans infra maintenance two months in advance

The Ministry of Railways has achieved partial success in a crucial safety initiative devised in the aftermath of the Balasore triple-train accident. It now plans infrastructure repair works eight weeks (two months) in advance, marking a departure from the prevalent practice of piecemeal execution of repair and maintenance works. This practice has resulted in numerous systemic deficiencies over the years, according to senior government officials.

Many of these deficiencies were pointed out by the Commissioner of Railway Safety in its probe report after the accident in June, which claimed nearly 300 lives.

“The Rolling Block Programme is showing impressive progress.