Railway Board expresses concern over unsafe signal reconnections

The incidents involved improper reconnection of signalling gears after maintenance work, including switch/turnout replacement, incorrect wiring during preparatory tasks, and addressing signal failures. Such practices were deemed as a dilution of manual and codal provisions, posing potential hazards to train operations and overall safety.

“The signalling gears were reconnected by signal and telecom staffers without proper testing of points after blocks for switch/turnout replacement, wrong wiring during preparatory works, attending signal failures etc.,” PTI quoted the letter as reading.

Expressing dissatisfaction, the Railway Board stated that – despite repeated instructions – the ground situation has not improved, and signal and telecom staffers continue to adopt shortcuts without adhering to necessary protocols.

In April, the Railway Board reprimanded signalling staffers for employing “shortcuts” when reconnecting signalling equipment after maintenance tasks, without conducting adequate point testing.

The board emphasised the importance of proper testing and the exchange of disconnection or reconnection memos with the operating staff to ensure the safe certification of the signalling system.

Furthermore, the board stressed the significance of maintaining the integrity of the signalling system in ongoing infrastructure projects, urging officers and staffers in the field to prioritise safety. Weekly safety meetings at divisional and headquarters levels were recommended for reviewing and addressing these concerns.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and officials previously suggested signal interference as a possible cause of a tragic crash in Balasore, Odisha on June 2. The collision involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train resulted in a devastating loss of lives and injuries.

(With PTI inputs)

Updated: 15 Jun 2023, 12:29 PM IST