Railway safety drive: ICF coaches to be inspected across India after crack found in special train
Indian Railways has launched a special safety campaign to inspect all Integral Coach Factory (ICF) coaches. This decision came after a crack was discovered in a sleeper coach of the Delhi-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Special train (04081) at Ludhiana station on June 6, 2026. The railway administration is now focusing on removing coaches that have severe rust or high repair costs.
What is the plan for ICF coach inspection?
The Ministry of Railways ordered a thorough safety check for all ICF coaches starting June 7, 2026. A high-level technical committee formed by Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recommended that all such coaches be checked within one week. To ensure accuracy, teams are using modern tools like endoscopy cameras and ultrasonic thickness gauges to find hidden corrosion.
How will the process work in Lucknow and other divisions?
In the Lucknow division, additional teams have been deployed at coaching depots in Charbagh, Aishbagh, Gomtinagar, and Almanagar. Senior officials will perform a super-check of the inspections. All workshops handling Periodic Overhauling (POH) will undergo an audit within one month to maintain quality standards.
Key details of the safety campaign
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | June 6, 2026 |
| Location of Crack | Ludhiana Station |
| Affected Train | Delhi-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Special |
| Inspection Timeline | One week for all ICF coaches |
| Audit Timeline | One month for POH workshops |
| Current Production | Only LHB coaches are being manufactured |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is the railway inspecting ICF coaches suddenly?
A crack was found in a sleeper coach of the Delhi-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Special train at Ludhiana station on June 6, 2026, leading to this safety drive.
Which coaches will be removed from service?
Coaches with excessive rust, structural weaknesses, or those requiring very high repair costs will be immediately removed from service.