To enhance security, Rail Budget to propose X-ray system along tracks

Railway Ministry is likely to propose installation of X-ray systems along the tracks to detect faulty parts in trains in the Rail Budget among a series of steps to enhance safety measures for passengers.

A new academy for advanced training of RPF personnel, which is long overdue, is also likely to be proposed in the Rail Budget 2014-15, to be presented on 8 July by Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda under the new NDA regime.

Railway sources said the ‘Trackside X-ray System’ will be installed at suitable locations along railway tracks to detect loose or damaged parts of rolling stock which include locomotives, engine, coaches, and wagons.

The installation of the equipment is expected to be one of measures to be proposed by the Railways to curb mishaps as faulty parts of rolling stock is a major reason for increasing number of train accidents, the sources said.

Since taking over the Railway Ministry after BJP-led NDA was voted to power, Gowda has maintained that enhancing safety and security of passengers is his prime concern and has advocated all possible steps in this direction.

Gowda has also shown keenness towards implementation of the recommendations of Kakodkar Committee to improve safety parameters of the national transporter.

Elimination of unmanned level crossings in a phase-wise manner, one of the key recommendations of the Committee, is also likely to find mention in Gowda’s first Rail Budget.