Rlys to procure ultra sonic testing system for track safety

Plagued with increased number of derailments, railways is going to procure most modern equipment to detect rail fracture in a faster mode.
Currently, inspection of tracks is mostly carried out manually. But we are procuring six modern machines to detect rail fractures, Chairman Railway Board AK Mital said here today.
Besides, he said GE is also providing one such machine on a trial basis.
Railways has expedited the procurement of six self propelled automatic machines based on ultra sonic detection system to cover longer tracks in shortest possible time.
Admitting railways is heavily dependent on the track men to detect rail fracture, Mital said "Our system to detect track problem is primitive. Our patrol man is the last frontier of our system."

He further said safety is a top priority for railways and it has sought adequate fund from the government for upgradation of its assets including track renewal, strengthening of bridges and procurement of modern rolling stock.
Railways is expecting to receive Rs 20,000 crore in the coming budget as a special safety fund.
We have set a target of renewal of 5100 km long track in the next two years, he said.