A damning report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has exposed critical lapses in the maintenance of signalling systems within the South Western Railway (SWR) zone. The audit has identified a staggering 2,961 annual failures in the signalling system and called for more effective maintenance mechanisms to prevent potential accidents.
Audit Uncovers Repetitive Lapses and Delays
The performance audit focused on the Signal and Telecommunication (S&T) departments across three key SWR divisions: Hubballi, Bengaluru, and Mysuru. It covered a five-year period from 2018-19 to 2022-23. The report, recently tabled in Parliament, highlighted not just the sheer number of failures but also irregular maintenance practices and repetitive non-compliance with safety norms.
"Most of the observations were repetitive which suggests that constant monitoring was absent," the CAG report stated. It further pointed out significant delays in addressing deficiencies flagged during safety inspections, indicating a systemic problem in the maintenance workflow.
Key Safety Concerns: SPAD and Wrong Interlocking
While noting a decline in overall accident cases within the zone, the audit raised a red flag over two specific and dangerous occurrences. These are 'Signal Passing At Danger' (SPAD) or red signal jumps, and the wrong interlocking of points. The latter flaw can mistakenly divert a train onto a track section already occupied by another train, creating a high-risk scenario for collisions.
The persistence of these issues, despite audits, underscores a gap between identification and rectification. The CAG has emphasized that preventing these failures is key to averting major accidents on the rail network.
Call for Robust and Monitored Maintenance
The core recommendation from the national auditor is the establishment of more effective and timely maintenance mechanisms. The report implies that the current practices are insufficient and lack proper oversight, allowing the same deficiencies to recur year after year.
The findings put the spotlight on the operational safety protocols of the South Western Railway and necessitate urgent corrective action. Implementing the CAG's recommendations is crucial for ensuring the safety of millions of passengers who rely on this network daily.
