Last Updated on April 2, 2026 11:28 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
R. Suryamurthy / NEW DELHI
Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised fresh concerns over rail safety, warning that key gaps in inspection, monitoring and accountability persist despite the government reporting near-total compliance with earlier recommendations on derailments.
In its latest report on action taken by the Ministry of Railways, the PAC acknowledged progress in track monitoring, mechanisation and fire safety, but flagged incomplete responses on critical reforms — including timelines for safety systems and independent audits.
The Railways told the committee that Track Recording Cars (TRCs), used to detect defects in tracks, achieved nearly 100% coverage in 2023–24 and exceeded targets in 2024–25.
However, the PAC pointed to earlier shortfalls of up to 100% in some sections and discrepancies between official data and zonal audits, questioning the reliability of reported figures. It also noted the absence of a system to enforce time-bound utilisation and accountability for inspections.
Concerns were also raised over mechanisation of track maintenance. While the Railways has introduced automated machines and long-term block planning, the committee found instances of equipment lying idle for prolonged periods due to staff shortages and poor coordination, undermining efficiency gains.
On oversight, the ministry maintained that inspections by senior officials are being conducted regularly and monitored through digital systems. The PAC, however, described the response as routine and sought stronger mechanisms to ensure no stretch of track goes unchecked. It reiterated its call for independent safety audits by the Commission of Railway Safety, a proposal that remains unaddressed.
The report also underlined that derailments continue to be driven largely by engineering failures — particularly poor track maintenance and deviations in track parameters — followed by operational lapses like overspeeding.
While the Railways highlighted steps such as track renewal, signalling upgrades and deployment of the indigenous KAVACH system, the PAC noted the absence of a clear, time-bound plan for its nationwide rollout.
On fire safety, the ministry said all coaches are now equipped with fire extinguishers, a marked improvement from earlier gaps.
Yet, the committee sought details on comprehensive fire risk assessments and periodic safety audits, indicating that oversight remains a concern. Overall, the PAC’s message is blunt: progress is visible, but without tighter implementation and accountability, systemic risks in India’s vast rail network remain far from resolved.