Railways to take up special safety drive

Ahead of winter, Railway Board has directed its field offices to take up special safety drive to check tracks, signalling system and other equipment.

The railways has directed all zones to take up a 15-day safety campaign during which top officials should visit the field and check tracks, signaling, over head electrical system and other equipment.

Besides, officers were told to sensitise its field staff including gangman on safety related issues.

"After inspection and rectification of malfunctioning of equipment, the zonal railways have to submit the report to the Railway Board," a senior official in Railways told DH.

The state carrier's decision to take up the safety drive comes after the new Farakka Express derailed near Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh— five peoplw were killed and around 30 injured in the October 10 accident.

Preliminary probe report of the accident found that the accident was happened due to failure of mechanical installation on tracks, which guides trains from one track to the other.

“During winter season complaints of failure of equipment were common. Besides, railways also face tough time due to poor visibility. To face the challenge and as a precautionary measure, this safety campaign will be conducted,” the official said.

During winter season the movement of passenger as well as freight trains is also high as it is considered as a peak period.

Apart from normal trains, the railways also runs over 40 special trains to clear extra rush during this season, the official said.