A probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation has revealed that two private manufacturers supplied sub-standard ‘concrete sleepers’ (used to strengthen railway tracks) to the Indian Railways. On the basis of a complaint, the CBI has registered a case against the manufacturers and plans to expand its investigation to 79 others.
The agency says 90 percent of the supplies of concrete sleepers are allegedly of inferior quality.
The companies under the scanner are Orissa Concrete & Allied Industries and Concrete Sleeper Plant – both based in Chhattisgarh. On testing the final consignment of over one lakh sleepers, investigators found that the quality of the sleepers were allegedly 70 percent below the standard. The ministry has asked both companies to stop production.
Shockingly, when the companies supplied the sub-standard sleepers, railway officials tested, inspected and passed the product. The ministry too immediately released the payment of Rs 23 crore to the companies. But before it could be laid on the tracks in Chhattisgarh, CBI after checking the product, declared it below standard. The ministry then discarded the consignment.
There are 81 private companies across the country who are manufacturing concrete sleepers. The CBI is likely to write a letter to the ministry, seeking permission to expand its investigation to other manufacturers.
During the investigation, we found that some of the manufacturers are not following mandatory technical guidelines. The probe reveals connivance between the manufacturers and Zonal Railway officials. The ministry should allow us to probe other manufacturers because it is a matter of public safety.Senior Official, CBI
What are Sleepers?
A railway line is based on five layers – the first is the layer of soil, the second is the track formation, the third is a cover of sand, followed by a layer of ballast (small hard stones) and the fifth layer is the sleepers which form the base of steel rails.
The wooden sleepers which were earlier used by the railways were replaced with concrete ones in the mid-nineties, as they were sturdier.
Guidelines on Manufacturing Sleepers
The Research Development and Standards Organisation (RDSO) has meticulous guidelines on the production of concrete sleepers.
- Sleepers are to be manufactured under 100% supervision of Zonal Railway officials.
- The manufacturers are to supply the sleepers in accordance with the prescribed norms, terms and conditions of contract signed with Ministry of Railways.
- Zonal Railway officials will provide assistance to the manufacturers during the production.
- Railway officials are to inspect from time to time to ensure that the product is manufactured in accordance with the specification mentioned in the contract agreement.
- The raw material is to be procured from RDSO (Research Design Standard Organisation) approved sources.
Investigators say most of the above conditions were violated by the two companies against whom the case has been registered.
Why Sleepers Are an Important Safety Equipment?
Train movements tend to displace some amount of track. If the sleepers are weak or of poor quality, they will tend to sag or displace the gauge. This restricts speed of trains, affecting timetables, and in extreme cases causing derailment.
The railway department showed ignorance on the issue when contacted by The Quint but said appropriate steps would be taken if the CBI raises the issue with the ministry.
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