New Delhi, February 19 The Ministry of Railways has asked the heads of 70 railway divisions across the country to thoroughly investigate each case of rail fractures, as such incidents are on the rise, posing a safety threat to the safe operation of trains.
During a recent safety review of the functioning of the Railways with principal heads of various departments and divisional railway managers, CEO and Chairman of the Railway Board, Satish Kumar, discussed issues concerning operational safety.
One of these issues was rail fractures, a major factor in train derailments.
"Rail fractures originating from bolt holes are increasing. Improper chamfering (removal of the sharp edge of a drilled hole to strengthen the edge) should be checked," a note from the review meeting circulated to DRMs said.
It added, "Each rail fracture case should be investigated and discussed by DRMs."
Experts said that a small hole (called a bolt hole) is made in the sides of a rail during manufacturing, to connect the unit with other rails using fishplates.
"Bolt holes are vulnerable areas where cracks develop in a star-like pattern (called a star crack) due to the high pressure exerted by passing trains," said a senior railway official.
According to the Railways, chamfering of bolt holes hardens the periphery of the holes, thereby delaying the formation of star cracks.
"Chamfering of rail holes gives a substantial increase in the fatigue life of the rail at the hole (an increase of three to four times)," a railway document said, adding, "Bolt holes in new rails received directly from the steel plant should be chamfered before the rails are laid on the track."
Officials who attended the meeting said that DRMs and principal chief engineers (PCEs) have been asked to look into each case and investigate them properly to find out the factors responsible for the cracks.
They said that besides fractures, the Railway Board CEO and Chairman also directed concerned officials that there should be no fitting and structural deficiencies in the track.
"Track works are to be done with proper planning and proper supervision," the review note said.