CAG pulls up railways for detention of rolling stock

NEW DELHI: The comptroller and auditor general has pulled up railways for detention of rolling stock beyond the permissible period resulting in loss of earning capacity of rs 326.27 crore.

Suggesting effective measures for optimum utilisation of available stock, the cag in its report for the year ended march, 2006, pointed out instances of heavy detention of coaches, wagons and locomotives during periodical overhauling, repairs and loading/unloading operations in yards, sidings and workshops leading to a loss of rs 326.27 crore.

While the cag suggested optimum utilisation of available stock for earning maximum revenue, it highlighted many instances of railways failure to overhaul and repair the coaches, wagons or locomotives within the time prescribed period disagreeing with the explanation of railways behind the delay and detentions.

The cag pulled up railways for delays in sending the rolling stock for repair/overhauling as well as unnecessary detention of wagons not due for overhauling due to improper segregation.

Referring to periodical overhauling of coaches, it said that as per indian railway maintenance manual for broad gauge coaches, the poh should be completed within 18 days, but noted that different workshops on zonal railways have fixed their own time schedules for completion.