OPENING OF NEW RAILWAY LINES
* * * * *

           In terms of Section 22 of the Railways Act, 1989 and Rules made under Sections 28, 29 and 198 of the Act, the Commissioner of Railway Safety(CRS) has to carry out his statutory inspection of the new railway line, its appurtenances, various sub-grade and accommodation works etc and submit his report to the Central Government stating whether the railway can be opened without any danger to the public using it. I case the railway cannot be opened without any danger to the public using it he shall state the grounds therefor as also the requirements, which in his opinion are to be complied with before the sanction is given by the Central Government.

2.0        Under the Railways (Opening for Public Carriage of Passengers) Rules, 2000, notified by Ministry of Railways under G.S.R. 625 (E) dated 21.07.2000 and G.S.R. No.762 (E) dated 08.10.2001, the CRS has been authorized to sanction the opening of new railway lines for the public carriage of passenger, after his inspection, subject to such conditions as he may consider necessary to impose. On receipt of the report of the CRS, the Central Govt. may confirm, modfy or cancel the sanction so given by the CRS, subject to such conditions, alterations or relaxation, as may be considered necessary, after giving due consideration to the suggestions or the conditions subject to which the CRS has opened the railways.

3.0        The term new railway or new lines of railway includes : -

        (a)    extension of existing railways, new double, treble or other running lines laid along side existing lines and conversion                      from one gauge to another.

        (b)    the initiation of electric traction on the existing lines.

4.0        When the railway administration is prepared for opening of a new railway or section of a railway, it shall make a reference to the CRS and supply the required documents about the new lines, bridges, tunnels, stations, signaling system, infringements, electrification details and various other certificates and the working orders to be enforced at the stations for operation of the trains. If the CRS is satisfied with the information, he will fix the date of inspection and the railway administration shall make such arrangements as are necessary to facilitate the inspection by the CRS, of the railway which is to be opened. The General Manager or his representative, not below the level of Joint Secretary, shall accompany the CRS throughout the inspection along with other railway officers in charge of the works and the Divisional Railway Manager.

5.0        The CRS will inspect the entire section including the bridges, the signaling arrangements and the electrification work etc and if he is satisfied, will issue the sanction for opening the railways for public carriage of passengers with such conditions as considered necessary, to be complied by the railway administration. He shall then submit the detailed report of his inspection to the Central Government as brought out in Para 2.0 above.