In the news: Railway Safety Commission (CRS)

The CRS (Commissioner of Railway Safety) investigates train accidents, such as the recent catastrophic train disaster in Odisha.

CRS’s Role: CRS is a federal agency in charge of railway safety monitoring, performing inspectorial, investigative, and consultative functions as stipulated by the Railways Act of 1989.
Headquarters: The CRS is headquartered in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and is administered by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).

Private businesses built and operated the first railways in India in the 1800s, with the British Indian government assigning consulting engineers to control and oversee operations.
Government Inspectors: The consulting engineers were later classified as government inspectors, and their role was statutorily recognised in 1883.
Inclusion in the Railway Board: In the early 1900s, the Railway Inspectorate was absorbed into the Railway Board, which was founded in 1905 and became the safety governing authority for Indian railways.

Government of India Act, 1935: Separation of Safety Oversight and Railway Board According to the act, an independent entity apart from the Railway Board should be in charge of ensuring the safety of railway operations.
Delay in Implementation: The start of World War II in 1939 postponed the separation, and the Railway Inspectorate continued to operate under the jurisdiction of the Railway Board.
Mount Panel Report: In 1939, the Mount Panel suggested that the Railway Inspectorate be separated from the Railway Board, and the board agreed.

Endorsement by the Central Legislature: In 1940, the Central Legislature endorsed the separation of the Railway Inspectorate from the Railway Board.
Administrative Control Shift: The Railway Inspectorate was transferred from the Railway Board to the Department of Posts and Air in May 1941.
Renaming as the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS): In 1961, the Inspectorate was renamed the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) and placed under the administrative jurisdiction of the ministry in charge of civil aviation.

Railway Safety Oversight: CRS is in charge of assuring the safety of Indian rail traffic and operations.
Inspectorial Functions: CRS inspects railway infrastructure, equipment, and operations to verify that safety standards are met.
CRS conducts rigorous investigations into significant train accidents in order to discover the reasons and provide recommendations for improvements.
Advisory Functions: CRS provides expert advice and suggestions on railway safety issues to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and other stakeholders.
Collaboration with Railway Authorities: To address safety issues and implement safety measures, CRS works closely with the Ministry of Railways and the Railway Board.
Cooperation with Other authorities: CRS works with other railway safety authorities and organisations, such as the National Safety Council and the Indian Railways Institute of Civil Engineering.

Insulation from Railway Establishment: To ensure independence and avoid conflicts of interest, CRS functions under the administrative direction of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Making Objective Decisions: In accident investigations and safety oversight, independence from the railway establishment ensures objectivity.
Enhanced Credibility: By separating CRS from the Railway Board, the credibility of safety oversight and investigations is enhanced.

Modernization and Technology Integration: To improve safety, CRS focuses on integrating innovative technology and modernising railway infrastructure.
Behavioural Change and Safety Culture: Key aims include developing behavioural change among railway employees and passengers and promoting a strong safety culture.
Addressing Emerging concerns: CRS regularly examines and handles emerging safety concerns in railway operations, such as cybersecurity threats and the effects of climate change.

CRS regularly engages in international forums and collaborates with worldwide railway safety organisations to share best practises and improve safety standards.
Benchmarking and Learning: To improve railway safety in India, CRS compares its safety practises against worldwide standards and implements appropriate best practises.
Harmonisation of Safety Regulations: CRS aims to provide interoperability and seamless rail connectivity by harmonising safety regulations and standards with international frameworks.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/crs-railway-safety-odisha-crash-investigation-explained-8648133/