According to the report, asset failures like track defects such as rail fracture and inadequate maintenance remain the biggest cause of accidents. Taking note of increase in number of derailments due to rail-fractures and weld failures, it has suggested a need to address the backlog in rail/track renewals and the technology of rail welding.
Advocating technology upgradation to have less dependence on human intervention, the report said “Inspection of Rails is a complex exercise and must be automated as much as possible to reduce dependence on human judgement.”
Sabotage attempts on tracks to derail trains had plagued the Railways. Alarmed by these incidents, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has already sought a NIA probe into the recent spate of derailments suspecting sabotage. Railway Board Member (Traffic) Mohd Jamshed has also cited 45 such cases involving outside interference on the track affecting train movement and causing loss of lives and revenue. Taking note of the spurt in derailments Chairman Railway Board AK Mital had said “There is a substantial increase in the derailment case this year as compared against the same period last year and it is a serious concern for us.”
(Sourced from agencies, feature image courtesy:wikivisually.com)
