Unapproved Coaches Compromise Safety on Nilgiri Mountain Railway

The CAG report condemns Southern Railways for using unsafe, unapproved coaches on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. It highlights financial losses and safety risks due to the introduction of deficient coaches without Ministry approval. The report calls for better development protocols for prototype coaches to avoid similar issues in the future.

Devdiscourse News Desk | New Delhi | Updated: 21-07-2025 21:54 IST | Created: 21-07-2025 21:54 IST

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Country:
India

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India has criticized Southern Railways for deploying unsafe and unapproved coaches on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway in July 2023, endangering passenger safety without Ministry consent.

Despite clear instructions for prototype development and trial, the Ministry's guidance was ignored, leading to defective coaches being used for special trains. This oversight resulted in significant financial and safety consequences.

The report underscores serious lapses in protocol by railway authorities and advocates stronger mechanisms for prototype coach development and testing to prevent waste and enhance passenger safety.

(With inputs from agencies.)