Delhi High Court calls for periodic audit of safety, security in Indian Railways

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Railways, the Delhi High Court said on Thursday, as it asked the state-run transport behemoth to ensure periodic audit of safety measures on trains and at railway stations. The high court's order came while disposing of a petition filed by lawyer Kush Kalra, seeking safety and security measures like baggage scanners, hand-held metal detectors and CCTV cameras at all railway stations in the country and installation of anti-collision devices.

The high court, which took note of the safety and security measures being taken by the authorities, said they clearly reflect that the Indian Railways has been taking all necessary safeguards to ensure there is no breach in this respect. «The affidavit (by Centre) reveals that the Railways have presently installed CCTV cameras, luggage scanning devices, door frame metal detectors, hand held metal detector, body worn cameras and dogs (sniffer and tracker), automatic train protection system etc,» a bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Saurabh Banerjee said.

«In light of the affidavits filed by the Union of India, nothing more is required and, thus, the present PIL stands disposed of. However, the respondents shall ensure that there is a periodic audit in respect of the safety and security measures in the Indian Railways and after conducting periodic audit and assessing the situation, the Government of India shall ensure maintenance of highest standards of safety and security at railway stations all over the country,» the bench said in its order.

Kalra alleged there was a lack of safety and security measures at majority of the train stations in the country. He said he had drawn the attention of the railway authorities towards inadequate safety measures at stations but