Parliamentary Panel Calls for Reassessment of Funding for Railway Safety

A Parliamentary Panel has urged the Ministry of Civil Aviation to reassess the low funding allocated to the Commission of Railway Safety for 2025-26. Highlighting its crucial role, the panel emphasized the need for better resources and recommended performance-based budgeting to enhance safety across various transport sectors.

A Parliamentary Panel has recommended that the Ministry of Civil Aviation reevaluate the scant funding allocated to the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The CRS, which falls under the Ministry's jurisdiction, is responsible for overseeing railway travel and operational safety, a function described as critical by the panel.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture presented its report, bringing attention to budgetary discrepancies. While the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security received substantial funding of Rs 300 crore and Rs 80 crore respectively, the CRS was granted only Rs 22 crore. The committee stresses that this disparity should be addressed to enhance railway safety standards.

The report also urged the establishment of a comprehensive safety oversight framework, advocating for cooperation among transport safety regulators. By implementing performance-based budgeting that ties financial allocations to specific outcomes, the committee aims to boost accountability and resource efficiency. Additionally, a sustainable funding strategy, possibly involving air safety charges, is recommended to fortify regulatory bodies independent of general budget allocations.

(With inputs from agencies.)