High-level rail safety inspection underway across Jammu division

In a major initiative to enhance passenger safety and improve railway operations, a comprehensive two-day inter-divisional safety audit began in the Jammu Division of Northern Railway on Wednesday, with senior railway officials undertaking an extensive review of operational and passenger safety measures. The exercise aims to identify gaps, strengthen safety protocols and advance the Railways’ goal of achieving “Zero Accident” operations.

This important audit will be led by the Principal Chief Safety Commissioner/NER, Neeraj Gupta. Senior officers in Senior Administrative Grade from five key departments of Railways – Traffic, Signal, Electrical, Engineering and Mechanical – will be part of this special team. During the inspection, administrative officers of Jammu Division will also be present with the team.

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The main objective of this audit is to conduct an in-depth evaluation of all safety procedures, equipment and standards related to rail operations at the ground level, identify potential deficiencies and ensure necessary corrective steps are taken to remove them, so that the Railways’ commitment to “Zero Accident” can be realized. During the audit, the team will carry out a detailed inspection of Jammu Railway Station premises and the adjoining station yard. During this, the condition of platforms, Foot Over Bridges constructed for passenger movement, waiting halls, toilets and other passenger amenities, along with the signalling and telecommunication system, track fittings, and the functioning of points and crossings will be examined minutely.

In the same sequence, the audit team will also visit the Running Lobby, where it will establish direct dialogue with Loco Pilots and Guards to review their working conditions, rest facilities, compliance with safety protocols and preparedness to deal with emergency situations. Thereafter, the audit team will inspect various yards of Jammu Division, which will include a detailed observation of loading-unloading of goods trains, shunting of wagons, lighting arrangements in the yard, availability of fire safety equipment and safety rules followed by staff. Subsequently, the team will also conduct a structural safety audit of various important railway bridges falling under Jammu Division, in which the strength of bridges, track fittings and maintenance standards will be examined minutely.

Divisional Railway Manager, Jammu Vivek Kumar said, “Such Inter-Divisional Safety Audits conducted at regular intervals not only ensure compliance with safety standards laid down by the Railway Board, but also increase awareness among employees towards safety. The technical suggestions and recommendations given by the audit team after inspection will be implemented by the division administration on top priority, so that rail operations can be made even safer, smoother and more reliable in future. Jammu Division is always committed to providing safe and punctual service to passengers and freight customers.”