The recent catastrophic train disaster in Odisha’s Balasore has brought attention to the importance of railway safety in India. It has been revealed that the railways have allocated a significant amount of funding from the Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) between 2017-18 and 2021-22. In this essay, we will explore the RRSK from the perspective of the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) exam and understand its significance in enhancing railway safety.
Establishment and Purpose
The Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) is a dedicated railway safety fund that was established in 2017-18 based on the recommendations of a high-level safety review committee led by Dr. Anil Kakodkar. It was initiated with a budget of Rs 1 trillion, spread over a period of five years. The RRSK was created as a Reserve Fund to address various safety-related issues within the railway system.
Funding and Structure
The funding for the RRSK comes primarily from the government, which provides 75% of the funds, while the remaining 25% is the responsibility of the railways themselves. It is important to note that the RRSK is a non-lapsable fund, meaning that the unutilized amount in a particular year does not get returned to the government and remains available for future safety-related projects.
Objectives of the Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh
The primary objective of the RRSK is to reduce accidents at railway crossings, derailments, and collisions. To achieve this, the fund focuses on allocating resources to key areas such as track renewals, telecommunications and signaling projects, construction of road overbridges, and procurement of rolling stock. By prioritizing these safety measures, the RRSK aims to enhance the overall safety of train operations across the country.
Significance of the Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh
The establishment of the RRSK fund has brought significant improvements in the level of safety within the Indian railway system. Some of the key advantages and significance of the RRSK are as follows:
- Consolidation of Safety Funds: The RRSK has centralized the funding for railway safety projects by dissolving separate safety-related funds. This consolidation ensures a more efficient utilization of resources and a focused approach towards addressing safety concerns.
- Financial Stability: With a dedicated funding of Rs 1 trillion spread over five years, the RRSK provides financial stability for undertaking long-term safety projects. This stability allows for better planning, implementation, and monitoring of safety initiatives.
- Zero-Accident Mission: The RRSK plays a crucial role in helping the Indian Railways achieve its zero-accident mission. By strengthening safety measures across the rail network, the fund contributes to minimizing accidents and ensuring the well-being of passengers and railway staff.
- Modernization and Upgradation: The RRSK focuses on critical aspects such as track renewals, telecommunications, signaling projects, road overbridges, and rolling stock. By investing in these areas, the fund facilitates the modernization and upgradation of the railway infrastructure, leading to improved safety standards.
Important Points:
- 🚂 Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK): A dedicated railway safety fund established in 2017-18.
- 🏢 Establishment: Recommended by a high-level safety review committee headed by Dr. Anil Kakodkar.
- 💰 Funding: Budget of Rs 1 trillion over five years, with 75% from the government and 25% from the railways.
- 📝 Objectives: Reduce accidents at railway crossings, derailments, and collisions.
- 🎯 Focus Areas: Track renewals, telecommunications, signaling projects, road overbridges, and rolling stock.
- ⭐ Significance:
- 🔄 Consolidation of Safety Funds: Centralization of funding for better resource utilization.
- 💪 Financial Stability: Long-term funding for planning and implementation of safety initiatives.
- 🎯 Zero-Accident Mission: Contribution to achieving zero accidents by strengthening safety measures.
- 🚄 Modernization and Upgradation: Investment in critical areas for improved infrastructure and safety standards.
Why In News
In light of the devastating train disaster in Odisha’s Balasore, an official document has recently come to light, highlighting that the railways allocated over Rs 1 lakh crore from its Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) funding during the period spanning 2017-18 to 2021-22. This substantial investment underscores the urgent need to prioritize safety measures and infrastructure improvements to prevent such calamities and ensure the well-being of passengers.
MCQs about The Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh Fund
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What is the primary objective of the RRSK?
A. Enhancing passenger amenities
B. Boosting revenue generation
C. Reducing accidents at railway crossings, derailments, and collisions
D. Improving train speed and punctuality
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What is the funding structure of the RRSK?
A. 100% government-funded
B. 75% government-funded and 25% railway-funded
C. 50% government-funded and 50% railway-funded
D. 25% government-funded and 75% railway-funded
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What is the significance of the RRSK?
A. Enhancing passenger comfort
B. Ensuring timely train arrivals
C. Consolidation of safety funds and centralized funding
D. Expanding railway network infrastructure
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