Activities

Railway Track Renewal and Ultrasonic Testing Support Accident Prevention

Railway tracks carry enormous operational loads every day and remain continuously exposed to wear, temperature variation, weather conditions and the stresses created by passenger and freight traffic. Systematic track renewal and scientific testing are therefore essential for detecting deterioration, preventing failures and maintaining safe train operations. Indian Railways has reported renewing approximately 54,600 kilometres of track between 2014 and February 2026, as part of its continuing infrastructure-modernisation programme. Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Railways

Track renewal involves replacing rails, sleepers, fastenings, ballast and other components when their age, condition, traffic exposure or technical performance indicates the need for intervention. Renewal priorities must be determined through scheduled inspections, engineering assessments and operational data. Timely replacement reduces the possibility of defects developing into safety-critical failures and ensures that tracks remain suitable for trains operating at permitted speeds.

Ultrasonic Flaw Detection is an important non-destructive testing method used to identify internal defects in rails and welded joints that may not be visible during an ordinary surface inspection. Ultrasonic waves are transmitted through the rail, and trained personnel analyse the returning signals to locate possible cracks, discontinuities or weaknesses. Advanced phased-array testing can provide more detailed information and improve the examination of complex rail and weld conditions.

Ultrasonic testing is most effective when supported by correctly calibrated equipment, qualified operators, reliable records and clearly defined follow-up action. When a defect is identified, its severity must be assessed promptly and the appropriate response—such as monitoring, temporary speed restriction, repair or rail replacement—must be completed within the prescribed timeframe.

Track safety also depends upon daily patrolling, on-foot inspections, trolley inspections, Track Recording Cars, Oscillation Monitoring Systems and Integrated Track Monitoring Systems. Together, these methods assess rail integrity, track geometry, alignment, ride behaviour and overall asset condition. Digital Track Management Systems can integrate inspection findings and help maintenance teams prioritise interventions more precisely.

Modern track structures—including heavier rails, prestressed concrete sleepers, elastic fastenings, longer rail panels, improved switches and better welding technologies—can enhance reliability and riding quality. Mechanised maintenance and rail-grinding equipment further support consistent engineering standards across high-density and higher-speed routes.

The All India Rail Safety Council (AIRSC) recognises track renewal and scientific testing as essential pillars of accident prevention. Safe tracks require continuous inspection, qualified personnel, adequate maintenance blocks and prompt corrective action. Every detected defect must be treated as an opportunity to prevent a future accident and protect lives.

Inspect Early • Detect Defects • Renew on Time • Prevent Accidents

Passenger Holding Areas Reviewed to Improve Crowd Safety at Major Stations

Indian Railways is strengthening crowd-management arrangements at major stations through the development and review of permanent passenger holding areas. These facilities are intended to regulate passenger movement, reduce congestion on platforms and provide safer waiting arrangements during festivals, holidays and other periods of exceptionally high demand.

The Ministry of Railways has identified 76 stations for the development of permanent holding areas. The proposed facilities are designed to include seating, drinking water, toilets, ticketing services, information displays and security arrangements. A permanent holding area has already been commissioned at New Delhi Railway Station, while similar facilities are at different stages of planning and implementation elsewhere. Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Railways

Holding areas can help keep platforms within a manageable capacity by accommodating passengers until their trains are ready for boarding. This is particularly important because overcrowded platforms, stairways and foot overbridges can create risks of falls, crushing, panic and uncontrolled passenger movement. Children, senior citizens, pregnant women and passengers with disabilities may be especially vulnerable in dense crowds.

An effective holding area must be integrated with station operations. Train information should be communicated clearly and passengers should be released towards platforms in an orderly, phased manner. Entry and exit routes must remain unobstructed, while emergency passages should always be kept clear. Holding areas must never become overcrowded waiting spaces without adequate supervision.

The wider crowd-safety plan includes access control, wider foot overbridges, AI-enabled CCTV surveillance, digital communication equipment and station-level war rooms. Coordination among railway operations, commercial departments, the Railway Protection Force, medical teams and local authorities is essential during heavy passenger movement.

Regular safety reviews should examine capacity, passenger-flow patterns, signage, lighting, ventilation, fire protection, public-address systems, drinking water, sanitation and accessibility. Emergency simulations can help station personnel prepare for medical incidents, sudden platform changes and unexpected surges in passenger numbers.

Passengers also have an important role in crowd safety. They should arrive within an appropriate timeframe, follow announcements, avoid rushing and pushing, keep circulation areas clear and cooperate with authorised personnel. Parents must keep children close and ensure that they do not sit, stand or play near platform edges.

The All India Rail Safety Council (AIRSC) supports the development of properly planned holding areas as an important passenger-protection measure. Safe crowd management requires suitable infrastructure, real-time monitoring, trained personnel and disciplined public cooperation.

Organised Waiting • Controlled Movement • Clear Communication • Safer Stations

Indian Railways Strengthens Passenger Feedback and Catering-Monitoring Systems

Indian Railways is strengthening passenger-feedback and catering-monitoring arrangements to improve food quality, hygiene, responsiveness and accountability. During a review of the IRCTC War Room, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Railway Board emphasised the need for monitoring systems that are more technology-driven, responsive and focused on measurable outcomes. Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Railways

Passenger feedback provides direct information about food quality, cleanliness, service conduct, overcharging and other catering-related concerns. The proposed strengthening of the Rail Madad interface is intended to make communication simpler and more convenient while enabling closer monitoring of complaints. Direct engagement with passengers may also help authorities understand specific concerns and determine whether remedial action has been effective.

Real-time kitchen surveillance is another important element of the monitoring framework. Camera systems can help authorised teams observe food preparation, hygiene practices, storage arrangements and the general condition of catering kitchens. The review called for wider surveillance, including additional cameras in raw-material storage areas and Pan-Tilt-Zoom cameras for improved operational visibility.

Technology-based monitoring must lead to timely corrective action. Artificial intelligence may assist in detecting rodents, insects or other visible deficiencies, but detection alone is insufficient. Each verified alert should result in inspection, documentation, corrective measures and appropriate action against repeated or serious non-compliance.

Inspection agencies also carry an important responsibility. Deficiencies identified during inspections should be recorded systematically, while corrective action and subsequent performance should be monitored. Third-party inspections must be independent, technically competent and outcome-oriented. Agencies that repeatedly fail to perform effectively should be reviewed under applicable procedures.

Additional measures include modern base kitchens, CCTV monitoring, designated food-safety supervisors, mandatory food-safety certification, regular sampling, surprise inspections and periodic pest control. QR-enabled identity cards for authorised catering personnel and digitally traceable food packets can help passengers verify vendors and identify the source of supplied food. Press Information Bureau—Catering Safety Measures

Passengers should purchase food only from authorised vendors, check displayed prices and report concerns through official railway channels. Complaints should include accurate information—such as train number, coach, seat, station, vendor details and photographs where safely possible—to support quicker verification.

The All India Rail Safety Council (AIRSC) recognises passenger feedback as an important part of service-quality improvement. A trustworthy catering system requires clean kitchens, safe ingredients, trained staff, transparent inspections and prompt resolution of complaints.

Safe Food • Hygienic Kitchens • Verified Vendors • Responsive Passenger Service

Special Cleanliness Drive Launched for Railway Drinking-Water Tanks and Filters

Indian Railways has launched a special cleanliness and inspection drive covering drinking-water tanks, filtration systems and water-distribution facilities across its network. The initiative is intended to strengthen preventive maintenance and ensure the availability of safe and hygienic drinking water for passengers and railway personnel. DD India

Under the programme, Zonal Railways are expected to inspect drinking-water sources, treatment plants, underground and overhead tanks, PVC tanks, water booths, taps, coolers and dispensing points. Tanks are to be emptied, desilted, cleaned and disinfected. Covers, vents and overflow pipes must also be examined to reduce the possibility of contamination by dust, algae, birds or animals.

Water safety depends upon the entire supply chain—not only the visible dispensing point. Damaged tanks, leaking pipelines and defective filters can compromise quality even when the source water is safe. Authorities must therefore examine pipelines for leakage and verify that there are no improper connections between potable and non-potable water systems.

Water coolers, ultraviolet purification units, reverse-osmosis systems and water-vending machines also require scheduled servicing. Filter candles and other consumable components must be replaced at appropriate intervals, while the areas surrounding taps and coolers should remain clean, properly drained and free from stagnant water.

Scientific water-quality testing is essential for verifying the effectiveness of cleaning and treatment. The initiative includes the collection of samples for physical, chemical and bacteriological examination from water sources, treatment outlets, tanks, coolers, vending machines and selected taps. Residual chlorine levels should be monitored, with immediate corrective treatment wherever required.

Station-wise recording of deficiencies and corrective measures can help ensure accountability. Each problem identified during an inspection should have a responsible department, a defined completion period and documented closure. The same standards should extend to drinking-water infrastructure in railway colonies and workplaces.

Passengers can support water hygiene by using facilities responsibly, keeping dispensing areas clean and immediately reporting leaking taps, damaged coolers, unusual odour, discoloration or visibly unhygienic conditions through authorised railway channels. Drinking-water points should never be used for washing clothes, utensils or footwear.

The All India Rail Safety Council (AIRSC) welcomes this focused initiative as an important public-health and passenger-welfare measure. Clean water is a basic requirement of safe and dignified travel, and its protection demands regular inspection, scientific testing, preventive maintenance and responsible public use.

Clean Tanks • Safe Filters • Tested Water • Healthy Railway Journeys