Anarchy in ER and S&T Deptt: Prioritising Millionaire Officers & Vendors over Citizens
In a recent #Safety meeting of the Chairman, Railway Board (#CRB), significant concerns were raised regarding uncontrolled #derailments and inadequate #works management within the #EasternRailway (ER). The General Manager (GM) of Eastern Railway, who hails from the #Stores department, has been criticised for lacking the assertiveness needed to enforce process discipline and ensure #Safe train operations. While acknowledged as a good individual, the GM’s approach is seen as insufficient for managing a vast railway network, which requires a more hands-on leadership style.
The absence of proper #training for the #GM in handling operational issues effectively has led to a situation where Divisional Railway Managers (#DRMs) and Principal Heads of Departments (#PHODs) are not making timely or informed decisions. This has resulted in a period of complacency among these officers, who are reportedly using their time to enjoy rather than address the pressing operational and maintenance (O&M) challenges.
In response to these concerns, the CRB has dispatched Additional Members to conduct inspections and assess the safety standards within the Eastern Railway.
A whistleblower input was recently received..
It is a matter of serious concern that in spite of many guidelines issued by Railway Board, #PCSTE/ER has taken casual approach for #Yard Remodelling work at #KHANA yard near Bardhaman Railway Station. Non-interlock of the yard was permitted by PCSTE/ER on 6th December and it was to Interlock on Sunday 7th December. Contract was awarded to a firm who has NO experience, capacity and capability of doing such signalling work.
ED/Signal/Railway Board is camping at Khana to restore train operation. #RailwayBoard must take a strict view of fiasco, a complete failure, causing train disruption and inconvenience to passengers caused by PCSTE/ER and investigate the root cause of such #INDIGO like disaster and also how and why small vendors are encouraged having zero experience to execute #Signalling work without any capacity or capability.
This is high time Railway Board must interfere and Technical qualification to be made so that only genuine bidders having sufficient know-how should participate in #SAFETY related work.
The Signal & Telecom department is currently operating in a manner that has raised significant concerns, necessitating immediate intervention. This reckless approach has led to a substantial increase in project costs. A #forensic-audit of the specifications, along with thorough scrutiny of the officers and their financial dealings, is deemed essential. During the last safety review meeting chaired by the Chairman, the department’s performance was critically evaluated. It is imperative that the S&T department receives urgent attention and is brought under control.
The recent posting of an officer from Western Railway to South East Central Railways (#SECR) has sparked concern among many retired general managers and members, following reports that he has taken a housing loan amounting to Rs. 3 crores with down-payment of almost the same.
Isn’t it ironic that the railways seem to favour officers who are millionaires and extortionists over the officers who toil tirelessly and lead with boldness & courage? As the Director General Safety so aptly questioned, why should the railways capitulate to the whims of #vendors when it is the users, the ones who foot the bill for these services, who pay taxes for capital investment, salaries and pensions, whose needs should truly be prioritised?