The recent tragic train accident in Odisha has brought the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) into the public’s attention once again. Responsible for maintaining safety across the expansive Indian railway network, the CRS is currently spearheading a detailed investigation into the incident. This article aims to shed light on this government organization, its origin, functions, and how it plays a pivotal role in ensuring safe rail travel in India.
The Commission of Railway Safety: An Overview
Established under the Railways Act, 1989, the CRS serves as the primary railway safety authority in India. Although it operates under the wing of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, its headquarters resides in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The CRS works towards safeguarding the interests of passengers by inspecting and enforcing safety measures in rail travel and operations. Besides its regulatory responsibilities, the commission also performs other statutory functions such as investigation and advisory roles.
Unexpectedly, the operational control of the CRS lies with the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) rather than the Ministry of Railways. Interestingly, this operational decision was taken to shield the CRS from any undue influence from the larger railway establishment and circumvent potential conflicts of interest.
Tracing the History of CRS
The genesis of the modern CRS can be traced back to the Indian Railway Board Act of 1905. According to this act, the Railway Board was assigned the task of acting as the government’s representative for various sections of the Railway Act. It was also empowered to formulate rules for railway operations throughout India. This effectively made the Railway Board the chief authority responsible for ensuring railway safety in the country.
Evolution Towards Independence
As years passed, there was a growing need for a separate body dedicated to maintaining the safety of passengers and railway personnel. This idea was underscored by Section 181(3) of the Government of India Act of 1935. Following this act, a panel led by the former chief inspecting officer of British Railways, A.H.L. Mount, in 1939, noted that the Railway Board supported the idea of an independent safety authority and welcomed the proposed change.
Establishment of the Commission of Railway Safety
In May 1941, the Railway Inspectorate was detached from the Railway Board and placed under the Department of Posts and Air’s control. This move marked the start of the transformation towards the modern CRS. Two decades later, in 1961, the Railway Inspectorate was renamed as the Commission of Railway Safety, and it fell under the central ministry accountable for civil aviation in India, a position it has maintained ever since. The continued existence and function of the CRS signal the government’s ongoing commitment to maintaining safety and security on India’s railways.
(Source: IE)
