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Commission of Railway Safety (CRS)
Context:
Senior railway officials have announced that the Railway Board has established a five-member technical committee to investigate the findings of the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), Southern Circle.
More on News
- The CRS report highlighted “glaring lapses” in the construction of the new Pamban rail bridge, which connects Rameswaram to mainland India.
- The committee includes the Principal Executive Director (PED) of Bridges, PED of the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Chief Bridge Engineer (Southern Railway), a Director from Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, and an independent safety expert.
- Southern Railway clarified that the 2.05-km-long bridge, featuring a unique 72-meter vertical lift span, was built using advanced design techniques and best construction practices.
About Commission of Railway Safety (CRS)
It is a crucial government body in India responsible for ensuring the safety of rail travel and train operations.
- Overview of the Body:
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- Formation: The CRS was established on November 1, 1961, as a response to the need for an independent authority to oversee railway safety, separate from the Railway Board.
- Jurisdiction: It operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, which helps maintain its independence from the Railway Board and prevents conflicts of interest in safety oversight.
- Functions: The CRS performs several key functions as mandated by the Railways Act, 1989:
- Accident Investigation: One of its primary responsibilities is to investigate serious railway accidents to determine their causes and recommend safety improvements.
- Advisory Role: The commission provides advisory services on safety matters related to railway operations.
- Inspection: It conducts inspections of railway operations and infrastructure to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Structure:
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- Headquarters: The CRS is headquartered in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
- Leadership: The Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) heads the commission, supported by nine Commissioners of Railway Safety who oversee various zones across India.
- Field Operations: There are also field deputy commissioners stationed in major cities like Mumbai and Kolkata to assist with specific safety disciplines.
