Railways advocate need for new tech to check fire mishaps

Acquiring new technology and upgrading design and manufacturing technologies to reduce fire mishaps in trains is the need of the hour, Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge today said.
Railways, which witnessed two major fire mishaps in recent times - in Bangalore-Nanded Express on December 28, 2013, and other in Dehradun-Mumbai Express on January 8, 2014, have undertaken an audit exercise of materials used in coach manufacturing to ensure safety for passengers.
"I had given instructions to all General Managers in GM conference in January to conduct an audit of materials being used in coach building. This audit will help us in reducing the incidents of fire in future," Kharge said.

"There is also a need for creating diverse technology absorption strategies with respect to upgrading of design and manufacturing technologies in India relating to prevention of fire in coaches, he said, speaking at a global conference here.
Rail experts from nine countries including Japan, Italy, USA and UK participated in the meeting.
Expressing concern over fire incidents in trains, Kharge said the audit will help railways improve quality of materials being used.

"This will ensure that casualties in cases of fire are minimised," he said, adding that loss of precious lives in fire mishaps had caused him pain.
He said matters such as transfer of technology through acquisition or joint ventures and research and development through university and industry participation need our special attention.

Kharge said there has been a decline in rail accidents because of several steps undertaken by railways.