CAG Audit Uncovers Critical Deficiencies in Lucknow Metro Rail Hardness
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has issued a stark warning regarding the quality of rails utilized in the Lucknow Metro's rolling stock system, pinpointing significant shortcomings in their hardness levels. This audit finding raises serious questions about the long-term durability and operational safety of the metro infrastructure, which serves thousands of daily commuters in the Uttar Pradesh capital.
Stringent Hardness Standards for Metro Rails
In alignment with established Indian Railway benchmarks, metro rails are mandated to adhere to rigorous hardness specifications to ensure optimal performance and passenger security. Specifically, rails deployed in depot areas, classified as HH 880 grade, must achieve a minimum hardness of 260 BHN (Brinell Hardness Number). For main line tracks, which bear the brunt of continuous train operations and are graded as HH 1080, the required hardness range is set between 340 and 390 BHN. Elevated hardness is crucial as it directly correlates with extended rail lifespan and minimized wear and tear, thereby reducing maintenance frequency and costs.
IIT Kanpur Testing Reveals Alarming Shortfalls
To assess compliance, the CAG engaged the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur to conduct exhaustive hardness evaluations on rail samples. Utilizing certified hardness testing machinery, IIT Kanpur's analysis yielded concerning results. The hardness of depot rails was measured between 229 and 242 BHN, falling substantially below the 260 BHN threshold. More critically, main line rails registered hardness values ranging from 254 to 308 BHN in repeated tests, well under the stipulated 340-390 BHN spectrum. These deficiencies indicate a systemic quality control lapse that could have far-reaching implications.
Implications of Inadequate Rail Hardness
According to experts at IIT Kanpur, subpar hardness accelerates rail degradation, leading to premature wear. This not only escalates maintenance expenditures but also curtails the functional longevity of both rails and train wheels. A mismatch in hardness between wheels and rails can induce wheel deformation over time, potentially compromising the stability and smooth propulsion of metro trains. Such conditions may heighten the risk of operational disruptions and safety hazards, underscoring the urgency of addressing these audit findings.
State Government Dispute and IIT Kanpur's Rebuttal
When confronted with the audit report, the state government contested the validity of IIT Kanpur's testing methodology, alleging that the institute employed insufficient load during assessments, contrary to regulatory requirements. However, IIT Kanpur firmly refuted these claims, asserting that its procedures strictly adhered to the national testing standard IS 1500:2005. To eliminate any ambiguity, the institute reiterated tests with higher loads, yet the rails consistently failed to meet the mandated hardness levels. This dispute highlights a contentious divide between audit authorities and governmental oversight, with the CAG report emphasizing the persistent non-compliance despite methodological validations.
The CAG's revelations call for immediate corrective actions to uphold the Lucknow Metro's safety and efficiency standards, ensuring that public transportation infrastructure aligns with national quality benchmarks.
