In the face of frequent safety flips, the Railways has resorted to wielding the rarely used Section 14.2. This section, dreaded by the staff, can be used to suspend people without any inquiry.

In the Pushpak Express incident, the ASM was held accountable, and he was immediately removed from service without an inquiry. This was meant to send a strong signal across the organisation.

Following the Utkal Express accident, 13 people from the field were immediately removed from service, including 11 gangmen, one ironsmith and a junior engineer, according to PTI.

Experts have questioned such firing without inquiries. “This section is used only when a free and fair inquiry is not possible. Moreover, safety is a relative concept and staff in the lowest rung just do what they are told to do,” said Subodh Jain, former Member-Engineering, Railway Board.

Who’s accountable?

Two other Railway officials, requesting anonymity, said it is was also essential to hold seniors accountable , too, for not creating conducive work conditions for the staff. “What about making those people accountable who are responsible for creating safe working conditions for the staff who ensure safety on the ground?” asked one.

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