(a) whether the faulty tracks, defective coaches, inattentive drivers, it is now inferior quality wheels which have been blamed for causing railway accidents;
(b) if so, whether the wheels manufactured at Durgapur and Bhilai Steel Plants were found to be faulty, prone to fractures; and
(c) if so, the efforts being taken or proposed to be taken to avoid such situation?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS ( SHRI R. VELU )
(a) No, Sir.
(b) A few cases of failure of loco wheels during the
period July 2001 to June 2003, manufactured by
Durgapur Steel Plant (DSP) were reported. A few
cases of failure of coach wheels manufactured at
DSP in 1995-98 have also occurred in the period
December 1999 to October 2003.
(c) The Specification of Wheels has been revised. To
take care of manufacturing quality, Research
Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO), Lucknow
is also carrying out quality audit in Durgapur
Steel Plant from time to time.