I would not like to speculate on the likely cause of derailment of the Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express on September 9, but it was indeed unfortunate. Though prima facie it had appeared to be an act of sabotage, it would not be correct to say anything till the inquiry of Commissioner Railway Safety (CRS) is completed.Rajdhani is our premier long distance train and we take special care of its maintenance and upkeep. I checked with the Engineering Department about the state of the track and the bridge. The last track inspection had been done on August 25 this year, and of the bridge on April 4 by the Divisional Engineer. The bridge, according to railway engineers, was fit. There was also no speed restriction on the stretch.Though the bridge was old—constructed in 1916—age is no criterion of its safety. The life of a bridge depends upon the type of material used, quality of construction, weathering effects, environmental factors, damage due to earthquakes, floods, cyclones and extent of loading. Nearly 44% of railway bridges are 100 years old and 74% cent are 60 years old.About 527 bridges have been identified as ‘‘distressed’’, requiring urgent replacement. The strengthening and replacement of bridges is already in progress in phases, as is track replacement, modernisation of signalling and rolling stock. We are also taking other steps for safety enhancement. We’re very particular about punishing Railway staff found guilty of dereliction or carelessness. Even in the Rafiganj accident, if anybody is found guilty by the inquiry report, strict action will be taken against him.
