Railways Dismisses Misuse Allegations, Emphasizes Safety Expenditure

| 11 June 2023

In response to recent allegations of fund misuse, the Indian Railways has strongly denied any wrongdoing, stating that its funds are utilized solely for safety-related expenditures. The controversy arose following a 2021 report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), cited by the Congress, which claimed that the Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) fund had been misused for various non-essential items and services.

The RRSK, established by the Narendra Modi government in 2017, was specifically designed to enhance railway safety. However, the CAG report alleged that the funds were diverted towards purchasing foot massagers, crockery, electrical appliances, furniture, winter jackets, computers, and escalators. Furthermore, the report highlighted expenditures on garden development, toilet construction, salary payments, bonuses, and even the erection of a flag. These findings emerged in the aftermath of a triple-train crash near Bahanaga Bazar station in Odisha's Balasore district, which tragically resulted in the loss of 288 lives and left over 1,100 others injured.

The Railways' statement refutes the allegations made in the CAG report and clarifies its stance. According to the Railways, the expenditure of RRSK funds is strictly guided by the Ministry of Finance's guidelines, which prioritize safety projects such as civil engineering works, signaling, mechanical and electrical enhancements. The statement emphasized that there is a specific provision for utilizing funds to minimize human errors in critical operational areas by improving working conditions and providing training to safety-critical staff, particularly loco pilots. Notably, an amount of Rs 1,861 crore has been allocated for human resource development alone.

The Railways further elaborated on the need for facilities and amenities for loco pilots in running rooms. Loco pilots spend hours standing on trains, and it is mandatory for them to take a break in running rooms before commencing their next duty. As a result, the Railways asserted that providing crockery, foot massagers, and other amenities in these rooms is vital to ensure the well-being and restfulness of the drivers, ultimately contributing to the safety of train operations.

The Railways clarified that the provision of crockery, foot massagers, and winter jackets was based on a 2013 CAMTECH report, which was accepted in March 2014, well before the establishment of RRSK in 2017-18. It emphasized that these expenditures were in line with set guidelines for upgrading running rooms and training staff, directly contributing to the safety of train operations. The Railways categorically stated that these expenses were not frivolous but rather an integral part of its safety mandate.

In conclusion, the Railways firmly refutes allegations of fund misuse from the RRSK. It maintains that all expenditures are made within the guidelines established by the Ministry of Finance, with a strong focus on enhancing safety measures. The provision of facilities and amenities for loco pilots in running rooms is seen as essential for ensuring their well-being and enabling them to perform their duties with utmost alertness. As investigations into the triple-train crash continue, the Railways remains committed to upholding safety standards and addressing any concerns raised regarding fund utilization.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the Railways' statement and does not independently verify the claims made by the organization. Further investigations may be required to ascertain the accuracy of the Railways' response to the CAG report