Bengal: ER highlights safety initiatives at Railway Board meet
Kolkata, Aug 14
Satish Kumar, Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, chaired the monthly high‑level safety review meeting on Thursday, during which Eastern Railway highlighted several critical operational safety and infrastructure monitoring initiatives.
The meeting was attended by Gitika Pandey, General Manager, ER, and the Divisional Railway Managers of Howrah, Sealdah, Asansol and Malda through video conferencing. Officials said ER is paying utmost attention to safety in rail operations and at station premises.
A senior official said detailed discussions were held on expanding CCTV coverage across passenger terminals to strengthen station security, as well as on the smooth operation of ER's 54 Electronic In‑Motion Weighbridges (EIMWBs), which are vital for accurate load monitoring and protecting track integrity. Overloaded wagons can damage tracks and lead to accidents.
As tracks across most of the railway network are shared by both freight and passenger trains, undetected faults can cause derailments, putting passengers' lives at risk. Rigorous track maintenance protocols and the execution of advanced signalling safety works were also discussed during the conference.
"Tracks and signals are the two most important components of train operations. ER is placing significant stress on track maintenance, including renewals. The proper functioning of changeover points is also being monitored carefully. All systems connected to signalling are routinely checked to detect faults," the official said.
The steady progress in the construction and maintenance of Road Overbridges (ROBs) and Road Underbridges (RUBs) was also reviewed. Measures to combat waterlogging in Limited Height Subways (LHS) and RUBs were highlighted. These facilities allow the railways to eliminate Level Crossing (LC) gates. Waterlogging of LHSs and RUBs is a recurring problem during the monsoon. ER said it ensures proper drainage and even deploys pumps at certain locations to allow pedestrian and vehicular movement through these passages.
Dedicated steps are being taken to ensure crew safety and support train operating personnel, ER officials noted during the conference.
"We remain fully dedicated to upholding the highest safety standards. Under the guidance of the Railway Board, we are continuously enhancing our track infrastructure, signalling frameworks and passenger security systems to ensure a safe, smooth and dependable travel experience for everyone," ER Chief Public Relations Officer Shibram Majhi said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who travels on the Sealdah route daily, I appreciate the emphasis on CCTV expansion. But I wish they'd also address the overcrowding at platforms during peak hours. Safety isn't just about tracks and signals; it's about passenger management too.
Finally, some serious talk about waterlogging in subways! Every monsoon, we see cars stuck in those underpasses in Kolkata. Deploying pumps is a start, but they need to check the drainage systems before the rains hit, not after. Better late than never, I guess.
It's reassuring to know that crew safety is being given dedicated attention. The loco pilots and guards often work under immense stress, especially during fog and monsoon. Their well-being directly impacts passenger safety. Kudos to ER for highlighting this aspect. 👍
I appreciate the efforts, but let's be honest—what about the condition of the existing coaches and the lack of basic amenities at smaller stations? Safety is not just about tracks and signals; it's about the overall passenger experience. Let's see some real action on the ground, not just meeting minutes.
Good to see ROBs and RUBs being prioritized. Level crossings are a major source of accidents, and eliminating them is the way forward. Just hope the construction doesn't take forever like most infrastructure projects in Bengal. 😅
J