Union Railway Minister Orders Mission-Mode Fixes for Signalling and Track Safety Deficiencies Across Indian Railways

Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw held a detailed safety review meeting at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi on September 3, 2026, issuing strict directions to address technical and maintenance-related deficiencies across the Indian Railways network in mission mode. The high-level meeting was attended by the Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, Board members, General Managers of all Zonal Railways, Director Generals, and Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs). During the meeting, Minister Vaishnaw focused heavily on signalling systems, instructing engineering teams to resolve all technical issues immediately. Regarding Overhead Equipment (OHE), he mandated necessary maintenance and time-bound replacement at locations where components have reached the end of their prescribed operational life. Special attention was also directed toward rail maintenance workshops to ensure strict compliance with fire safety protocols in coaches, particularly electrical circuits and internal wiring. The Railway Minister warned of stringent action against vendors providing substandard materials for signalling, telecommunication, tracks, or rolling stock. In cases of deliberate negligence or compromised supply quality, directions were issued to permanently blacklist the guilty suppliers. Furthermore, with the upcoming festive season expected to increase passenger footfalls, Minister Vaishnaw asked railway officers to maintain close coordination with state and district administrations to establish crowdsourced safety preparations and timely facilities at busy railway stations.