CAG raps Railways for gaps in the security system

The CAG, in its latest report on "Security Management in Indian Railway", has also observed that the Railways has not formulated any composite plan in consultation with state governments for ensuring safety and security of its assets, especially tracks and bridges and overhead equipment.

"There were large gaps in the security system formulated for ensuring passenger security at stations. The integrated security system (ISS) formulated in July 2008 for ensuring passenger security at stations had large gaps," the report said.

It observed that boundary walls, fencing of stations and provisions of adequate lighting at stations were excluded from the ISS` purview.

Noting that the ISS was to be implemented on 137 stations by March 2010, the report has revealed that the system was not implemented in any of the zones till that time.

The terrorist attack at Mumbai CST in November 2008 and a couple of major incidents of sabotage in the recent past, including the derailment of the Jnaneswari Express in May 2010 which resulted in the death of 150 passengers, highlight the problems of railway security, it said.

The number of accidents attributed to sabotage increased from six in 2005-06 to 14 in 2009-10.

In view of the increased security threat, the CAG felt it necessary to assess the security concerns of the Railways.