A recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report presented to Parliament has brought to light serious concerns regarding the pace of safety infrastructure and financial management within Indian Railways. The audit highlights a backlog of critical works and issues with fund allocation that could impact long-term operational efficiency. Key takeaways from the report include:
- 20,304 safety-related projects remained incomplete during the 2024-25 financial year.
- The Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) fund saw only 21.30% contribution from internal resources.
- ₹3,397 crore was misallocated toward non-priority works between 2022-23 and 2024-25.
- The railways recorded a high operating ratio of 98.22%.
- ₹19,458.25 crore was spent across 1,321 cases without prior budget approval.
Safety Fund Mismanagement
The audit specifically scrutinized the Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK), a dedicated fund meant to bolster passenger safety. While the target was to contribute ₹25,000 crore, the Railways managed to provide only ₹5,324.62 crore from internal resources. More concerning is the finding that safety funds were diverted to projects that did not fall under the priority mandate, with auditors flagging a diversion of over ₹3,397 crore.
Fiscal Health and Operational Concerns
Beyond the safety project delays, the report paints a challenging picture of the national transporter’s fiscal health. The net surplus has declined to ₹2,660.28 crore, reflecting the strain on railway finances. Furthermore, auditors identified 1,321 instances where funds totaling ₹19,458.25 crore were utilized without the necessary budget approvals.
Asset Renewal and Passenger Experience
Infrastructure maintenance is another area of concern, with a backlog of asset renewal works valued at ₹6,448 crore. These delays, combined with systemic issues, have direct implications for the end-user. The report explicitly mentions ongoing passenger dissatisfaction, particularly regarding poor sanitation levels and the failure of onboard housekeeping services. As Indian Railways continues to modernize its fleet with new trains, the CAG report serves as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining fundamental safety and service standards across the vast network.