CRS asks SCoR to tighten safety checks, speed up Kavach rollout
Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), South Central Circle, Madhavi, directed South Coast Railway (SCoR) officials to step up safety checks, strictly adhere to maintenance schedules, and speed up the rollout of key safety systems across the zone.
Madhavi issued the directions while reviewing SCoR’s safety performance at a high-level meeting with the General Manager at the zonal headquarters here on Wednesday. The meeting covered the zone’s safety record, ongoing safety initiatives, statutory compliance and measures to prevent accidents.
She stressed the need for timely maintenance of tracks, points and crossings, overhead equipment, signalling installations and rolling stock, including coaches, wagons and locomotives.
Road safety also came up for review. Madhavi asked officials to closely monitor works on road overbridges and under bridges, the interlocking of level-crossing gates and public awareness campaigns.
With the monsoon posing additional operational challenges, she called for greater vigilance and precautionary measures at vulnerable locations. She also directed officials to expedite the installation of Kavach, digital axle counters and fire detection systems in coaches, and to ensure their regular maintenance.
The General Manager briefed the CRS on measures being taken to identify and eliminate safety hazards and to strengthen safety practices among frontline staff. Railway officials said safety audits, surprise night inspections and counselling programmes were being conducted regularly in all divisions.
Chief Safety Officer Ch.P.R. Vittal, Principal Heads of Departments and senior officials attended the meeting, while Divisional Railway Managers participated through video conference.
The Principal Chief Safety Officer presented details of the zone’s safety initiatives and the status of compliance with recommendations made during earlier statutory inspections.
The review meeting also focused on drawing up action plans to strengthen safety systems and ensure accident-free train operations throughout the zone.