In the wake of increasing fire incidents in trains, railways has undertaken an audit exercise of passenger coaches to ensure that the best quality fire retardant materials are used.
"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," Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge today said here.
He was speaking at the global conference on "Emerging fire protection technologies rolling stock" here.
There were 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, claiming total 35 lives.
Fire retardant materials used in coaches play crucial role in preventing fire in coaches.
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.
Railways have organised the international conference to seek experts views on fire prevention measures in trains. Rail experts from nine countries including Japan, Italy, USA and UK participated in the meeting.
Kharge also advocated use of latest technology in fire prevention exercise.
"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.
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.
