(a) whether Railways have detected track fractures by using magnifying glasses;
(b) if so, whether it is a fact that expensive machinery and equipment for detection of track fracture is lying un-used;
(c) if so, the reasons for not using modern methods for detection of track faults; and
(d) the most affected area regarding track fractures during 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 so far, zone-wise?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI DIGVIJAY SINGH)
(a) to (d): A statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3940 BY DR. COL. (RETD.) DHANI RAM SHANDIL TO BE ANSWSERED IN LOK SABHA ON 22.3.2001. REGARDING DETECTION OF TRACK FRACTURE:
(a): Yes, Sir. This method is also used for detection of rail fractures in fish plated portion of rails.
(b): No, Sir. The machinery is being used intensively for testing of rails and welds as per laid down schedules.
(c): Does not arise.
(d): The details are as follows:
Zonal Railway Most affected section in Most affected section in 1999-2000 2000-2001(up to Jan)
Central Lonavala-Pune Lonavala-Pune Eastern Jhajha-Patna-Mugal Sarai Jhajha-Patna-Mugal Sarai Northern Moradabad-Ghaziabad Moradabad-Ghaziabad North-Eastern Katihar-Barauni Katihar-Barauni NorthEast Frontier Guwahati-Malda Guwahati-Malda Southern Chennai-Arkonam Chennai-Arkonam South Central Vijaywada-Vishakhapatnam Vijaywada-Vishakhapatnam South Eastern Raipur-Bilaspur Raipur-Bilaspur Western Udhna-Jalgaon Madar-Palanpur