CAG Report Reveals 2,961 Annual Signal Failures in South Western Railway Zone

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India reports 2,961 signal failures annually in South Western Railway, highlighting safety issues and inadequate maintenance practices.

According to a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), the South Western Railway (SWR) zone has experienced an average of 2,961 signal failures annually. This reflects poorly on the reliability of its signalling systems. The audit reviewed the Signal and Telecommunication Department's performance in Hubballi, Bengaluru, and Mysuru divisions from 2018-19 to 2022-23.

The report highlighted that while accidents in SWR have decreased, issues like Signal Passing At Danger (SPAD) and incorrect point interlocking remain concerning. These issues could potentially divert trains onto tracks already occupied by other trains. Despite halting train operations to allow time for signal maintenance, failures persist in significant numbers.

Signal Maintenance and Safety Concerns

Safety audits revealed several irregular maintenance practices within the SWR. Many observations were repetitive, indicating a lack of continuous monitoring. The report noted abnormal delays in addressing deficiencies identified during inspections. For example, issues at Bellary station yard in December 2020 were not resolved until March 2021.

In Kudatini station yard, broken sleepers at the point region remained unattended for over a year by March 2021. The auditors also found instances where signalling equipment was disconnected or reconnected against Railway Board orders. These orders require a disconnection memo to be issued to the station master and necessary approvals obtained.

Instances of Non-compliance

The report documented several cases of non-compliance with safety audit findings. One serious incident involved averted head-on collision between two trains, including train no. 12649 – Sampark Kranthi Express. Due to staff negligence, the track was interlocked incorrectly, creating a route for a passenger train onto an occupied line.

The loco pilot noticed this anomaly and stopped the train before Point No. 65A, preventing a collision with a goods train on the down line. The Railway Administration responded that disciplinary action was being taken against staff who did not follow proper procedures for disconnection/reconnection.

Implementation Delays and Recommendations

The CAG also audited the provision of an indigenous Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) or KAVACH on a low-density railway network covering 1,563 route kilometres. Sanctioned in 2020-21 for Rs 469 crore, the detailed estimate had not been prepared by March 2024, delaying TCAS implementation in SWR.

This delay meant that benefits such as improved signalling system reliability and Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) could not be realised. The CAG recommended enhancing maintenance mechanisms to prevent signal failures and ensuring disconnection/reconnections follow rules. Maintenance staff should receive counselling to address signalling issues effectively.

The report emphasised that despite a decline in signal equipment failures, they still occur frequently. It suggested several measures to improve train operation safety, including better maintenance practices and adherence to safety protocols.

With inputs from PTI