Union Minister for Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw today held a detailed safety review meeting at Rail Bhawan. The meeting was attended by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Railway Board; Members of the Railway Board, General Managers of Zonal Railways, Director Generals (DGs) and Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs).

During the meeting, the Railway Minister gave directions to address technical deficiencies related to signalling in mission mode. With regard to Overhead Equipment (OHE), he asked to ensure necessary action for their maintenance and replacement at locations where the components have completed their prescribed service life.

The Railway Minister gave directions to improve the level of maintenance in workshops by paying special attention to the maintenance of coaches, particularly the electrical circuits and wiring related to fire safety. He also asked to pay attention to the maintenance of couplers and wheels of wagons and coaches.

With regard to track maintenance, emphasis was laid on ensuring proper maintenance of point machines, turnouts and fasteners. Wherever fasteners are missing, arrangements were asked to be ensured for their installation.

The meeting directed strict action in cases of poor-quality supplies. In case of any deficiency in the quality of materials related to Signalling & Telecommunication (S&T), OHE, track, coaches or wagons, it was asked to ensure stringent action against the concerned supplier. In cases of deliberate negligence, directions were also given to permanently blacklist the concerned supplier.

The Railway Minister asked all officers to establish coordination with the district and state administrations and make advance preparations at locations where there is a possibility of a sudden increase in passenger crowds due to festivals or fairs, so that necessary facilities can be made available there in time.

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Mahesh Kumar/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Manik Sharma/ Vanshita Jaiswal