The Supreme Court, on April 15, reviewed the Railway’s efforts to prevent train accidents, particularly focusing on the indigenous anti-collision system Kavach.
Court’s Appreciation
The Bench, led by Justice Surya Kant, expressed appreciation for the steps taken by the Railways, as highlighted in a status report presented by Attorney General R. Venkataramani.
Previous Concerns
This hearing stemmed from a petition filed shortly after a train collision incident involving Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and a goods train in Odisha’s Balasore district in June last year.
Court’s Inquiry
In February, the Supreme Court had requested a status report on rail safety measures, specifically mentioning the Kavach system developed by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in 2002.
Implementation Challenges
During the hearing, concerns were raised about the partial implementation of Kavach in certain areas. Justice K.V. Viswanathan inquired about this, to which Mr. Venkataramani acknowledged technical challenges and assured to include details in the status report.
Disposal of Petition
Advocate Vishal Tiwari had filed a petition seeking the constitution of an Inquiry Commission into the Odisha train accident. However, the court disposed of the petition on Monday.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- When did the Supreme Court review the Railway’s safety measures?
- A) April 15
- B) February
- C) June
- D) Monday
- Answer: A) April 15
- What is Kavach?
- A) A type of train
- B) An anti-collision system
- C) A railway station
- D) A legal term
- Answer: B) An anti-collision system
- Who expressed appreciation for the Railways’ steps?
- A) Attorney General R. Venkataramani
- B) Justice K.V. Viswanathan
- C) Justice Surya Kant
- D) Advocate Vishal Tiwari
- Answer: C) Justice Surya Kant
- What was the subject of the petition filed after the train collision incident?
- A) Inquiry into the Odisha train accident
- B) Implementation of Kavach
- C) Rail safety measures
- D) Constitution of the Supreme Court
- Answer: A) Inquiry into the Odisha train accident