High Court directs action against Railway officials for substandard facilities in trains

Noting that this Court is unable to understand that even after engaging the contractors, why such frequent complaints about cockroaches and rats roaming freely in compartments among others are received from the passengers, Justice S M Subramaniam said, “This Court with pain places on record that the Heads of the Southern Railways and other higher-Level Officials are leading a luxurious life at the cost of passengers. Their own chambers and residences are maintained as per the standards prescribed by the Railways. However, they fail to monitor the same standards and the norms in respect of the passengers, who all are paying to the Southern Railway and travelling in trains.”

“It is not sufficient that a tender notification is issued, and the successful bidder appointed to carry out the cleaning job. It is equally important that the competent authorities are bound to monitor and ensure that the procedures contemplated and the cleaning materials to be used are strictly and scrupulously followed by such contractors,” he added.

Justice Subramaniam made these observations while disposing a plea moved by a contractor challenging the cancellation of contract for cleaning and washing bed sheets in various trains.

Also, noting in his order that every passenger has got a right to claim cleanliness at least as per the norms prescribed by the Indian Railways, the judge said, “If that is not provided, then this Court is of an opinion that the authorities competent must be held accountable and answerable and certainly a personal liability on the part of the officials are to be fixed.”

Justice Subramaniam while seeking prominent display of the exclusive telephone numbers both in the trains and in platforms to enable passengers register complaints, also directed the GM to constitute special teams with officials of proven integrity and honesty for conducting inspections and monitor the cleanliness, food safety and security of the passengers in all respects.

“In the event of any complaint, the GM is bound to ensure suitable actions against all the officials, who are responsible for the maintenance of the coaches as well as the railway stations,” the judge added.