By IANS,
New Delhi : Following are the recommendations of a high-level safety panel headed by former atomic energy commission chairman Anil Kakodkar.
– Set up an independent rail safety authority and put commissioners of railway safety under it.
– Poor infrastructure and resources, lack of empowerment at functional levels and a grim financial condition are affecting the safety of the national transporter
– The panel estimated the railways would need around Rs.1 lakh crore in the next five years to overhaul its safety apparatus
– Set up Railway Research and Development Council (RRDC)
– Adopt advanced signalling system similar to European train control system Level-II on the entire trunk routes of about 19,000 route kilometres at an estimated cost of Rs.20,000 crores within 5 years
– Eliminate all such level crossings (manned an unmanned) through closure, merger, limited height subways at an estimated cost of Rs.50,000 crore over the next five years
– All new coaches should only be of LHB design, which is safer for present speeds and train lengths. This should cost around Rs.10,000 crore over five years
– Empower employees at functional levels and simplify and streamline processes and procedures
– Set up an empowered group of officers in the Railway Board to pilot the implementation of its suggestions in a time bound manner with full funding
– New Railway Safety Authority to review of implementation of the recommendations