INDIAN RAILWAYS TO MODERNISE DISASTER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

---

Indian Railways will modernize its Disaster Management System in next three years at a cost of Rs. 400 crores. The salient features of the new disaster management system include faster response, better facilities and equipment to ensure quick rescue and relief operations in case of accidents. Air-lifting of seriously injured passengers to nearby hospitals would be explored and assistance of armed forces and para-military forces obtained whenever required.

Self-sufficient and well-equipped self-propelled accident relief trains capable of running at 140 kmph would be introduced to reach accident site at the earliest. Rationalisation of present locations of accident relief trains and accident relief medical vans would be undertaken for faster availability at site and the speed of existing accident relief trains will be increased to 100 kmph. Steam cranes including those operational on metre gauge routes will be phased out. Launching of disaster management training modules with special focus on rescue, extrication, medical relief and restoration techniques at four nominated training centres is another important aspect of the new disaster management system.

It may be recalled that the Ministry of Railways had constituted a High Level Committee to review disaster management system which submitted its recommendations in April 2003. While most of the recommendations have been accepted by the Ministry, cost implications of the remaining ones are being assessed.