Report: Indian Railways Misused Safety Fund

Published JUN 11 2023

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The Spin

Establishment-critical narrative

The mismanagement and underutilization of RRSK funds defeated their primary objective of upholding rail safety. The CAG had warned about glaring holes in the railways’ risk control systems in December 2022, but the Modi government chose to ignore the red flags and focused instead on winning the state elections. Had the Centre heeded CAG’s findings and initiated measures for addressing and fixing the safety lacunae, the devastating tragedy at Balasore could have been averted.

The Indian Express

Pro-establishment narrative

It’s unfair to use the CAG report selectively, or to present its findings out of context. The CAG’s audit of RRSK fund utilization is limited to three years, meaning it gives a partial picture of the expenditure the railways have undertaken on track renewal and safety-related works. The opposition must wait for a detailed reply on all issues raised in the report and the completion of investigations into Balasore tragedy before making frivolous charges to the Modi government for electoral gains.

The Times of India