Complaints against substandard ballast supply

Admin

Failing abrasion/impact/water absorption tests and allegations of bribery in material acceptance in North Western Railway

It is to bring to urgent notice a serious matter concerning the supply and acceptance of track ballast in North Western Railway. As per information and observations, the ballast being supplied and accepted is failing mandatory quality tests, yet it is being passed for use.

Quality Failures Observed

It is alleged that ballast lots supplied in NWR have failed the following tests:

  • Abrasion value test (LA Abrasion) – Fail
  • Impact value test – Fail
  • Water absorption test – Fail (indicating inferior/porous material)

Despite these failures, the ballast is reportedly being cleared/accepted and used in works, compromising track safety and service life.

Allegation of Corruption/Bribery

It is further alleged that Railway officials from PWI level up to SAG rank are demanding and accepting heavy bribes to pass the failed ballast and clear measurements/acceptance documents.

Risks and Public Interest

Use of substandard ballast can lead to:

  • Reduced track stability and faster deterioration
  • Higher maintenance costs and repeated tamping
  • Increased risk to safe train operations (especially under heavy axle loads)

Requests for Immediate Action

  • Order an immediate vigilance investigation into ballast procurement, testing, and acceptance in the concerned divisions/sections.
  • Seal/stop further use of suspected ballast lots and quarantine stacks pending verification.
  • Conduct independent third-party testing of samples (from stacks and laid track) in #NABL-accredited labs.
  • Check test registers, sampling procedures, lab records, and acceptance notes to confirm whether results were manipulated or ignored.
  • Verify supplier bills, measurement books (MBs), inspection notes, and stock registers and match them with test results.
  • Take strict disciplinary and criminal action against all involved officials and firms, including #blacklisting and recovery.

Provide whistleblowers confidentiality/protection, as there is fear of retaliation.