Experts see fund crunch as reason for rising rail mishaps

The question becomes inevitable after a string of derailments, latest being the Hirakhand Express

Was there a compromise with safety in the 2016-17 Railways Budget, in a bid to present better-looking data? 

The question arises after Saturday night’s derailment of the Hirakhand Express in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh.

"In that Budget, minister Suresh Prabhu cut on allocations meant for the Depreciation Reserve Fund (DRF), to show a less unwholesome operating ratio, the parameter on which the railways' financial health is judged. There is a shortage of funds for maintenance of tracks and rolling stock because of that," said a sector expert, on condition of anonymity. 

DRF is meant for upkeep and