Railways signal-telecom wing needs a leg up

Odisha train accident reflects the failure in the functioning of Indian Railways of neglecting the critical signal and telecommunications wing even when new technology is being introduced

Odisha train tragedy which took 275 lives has exposed the failings in the functioning of Indian Railways of neglecting the critical signal and telecommunications wing even when new technology is being introduced for upgrading infrastructure like modern trains and machinery to maintain or lay tracks, overhead traction, increasing speeds and so on.

“The mishap has put the spotlight on the human resource deployment problem, especially in the telecommunications-signalling wing. At the ground level it is saddled with semi-skilled workers promoted from linemen towards handling mechanical or sophisticated electronic systems,” explained senior railway officials, requesting anonymity.

Also read: Odisha train accident | Railway Board alleges ‘signalling interference’, seeks CBI probe

These ground level staff simply do not have the personality to stand up to pressures from the traffic or civil engineering wings breathing down their neck to complete his work – maintenance or inspection or repairs – as it could mean delay in running time of the express trains.

Problem is quite acute at the wayside stations – where express trains are supposed to breeze through without halting. “Railways has started outsourcing certain works including maintenance of new telecom-signal equipment by the companies concerned. These firms deploy badly trained and lowly paid technical personnel including fresh engineering graduates with no motivation to work in such places,” reveal senior officials.

Even among railway engineers “nobody is willing to work” in remote places with bare amenities and boxed into small quarters. “We need to think of recruiting highly qualified engineers from good institutes with better pay, continuous training programmes and counselling to ensure safety continues to be of paramount importance for the railways,” they affirm.

Also read: Odisha accident | Senior official flagged serious flaws in Indian Railways’ signalling system in February