Patna: Indian Railways has launched a nationwide safety inspection drive for ICF coaches after a crack was detected in a sleeper coach of the Delhi–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Special Train near Ludhiana on June 6.
The Railway Board has directed all railway zones to conduct detailed inspections of coaches and identify signs of corrosion, rust and structural weakness. The exercise is expected to be completed within a week as authorities move to strengthen passenger safety and prevent similar incidents.
Railway Board Orders Comprehensive Checks
According to railway officials, the special safety campaign will focus on vulnerable and high-stress sections of ICF coaches where corrosion or structural deterioration may develop over time.
Senior officials from railway headquarters, workshops and divisional units have been asked to closely monitor the inspection process. Additional supervisory checks will also be carried out to ensure that any potential safety risks are detected at the earliest stage.
Defective Coaches to Be Removed Immediately
Railways has made it clear that coaches found with excessive corrosion, cracks or structural deficiencies during the inspection will be withdrawn from service without delay.
Officials said the move is aimed at eliminating safety risks and ensuring that only structurally sound coaches remain in operation across the network.
Advanced Technology to Support Inspections
To improve the accuracy of inspections, Indian Railways is deploying advanced diagnostic tools, including endoscopy cameras and ultrasonic thickness gauges.
These technologies will allow engineers to examine internal components and hard-to-access sections of coaches more effectively, helping identify hidden defects that may not be visible during routine inspections.
Railways has also circulated a technical awareness video through regional railway zones to support the ongoing safety campaign.
Workshops to Undergo Special Audit
As part of the wider safety review, all railway workshops responsible for Periodic Overhauling (POH) of coaches will undergo a special audit within the next month.
Railway authorities are also working to simplify and strengthen Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to coach maintenance and inspections.
Officials believe these measures will help identify heavily corroded coaches earlier and improve decision-making regarding repairs, refurbishment and withdrawal of ageing rolling stock.
Passenger Safety Remains Top Priority
Railway authorities said passenger safety remains the organisation’s highest priority and that all necessary measures are being taken to avoid a recurrence of such incidents.
The nationwide inspection drive, workshop audits and enhanced monitoring mechanisms are expected to strengthen the overall safety framework and improve the reliability of rail services across India.
