Walkie-Talkie Crisis: Amidst a critical shortage of walkie-talkies for train crews, Indian Railways has waived the Make-in-India policy to procure essential communication devices from the global market.
In a decisive move to address a dire shortage of walkie-talkie sets vital for railway operations, Indian Railways has temporarily suspended its “Make-in-India” policy to procure Very High Frequency (VHF) communication systems from international suppliers. This urgent action comes in response to a series of incidents highlighting the dangers posed by inadequate communication equipment among train crews.
Safety Concerns After Kanchanjunga Crash:
The decision gained momentum following the devastating Kanchanjunga train crash in West Bengal in June 2024, which claimed ten lives and injured numerous passengers. Preliminary investigations revealed a severe lack of functioning walkie-talkies within the Katihar Division of Northeast Frontier Railway, impeding crucial communication between train crews and station masters.
Shortage and Malfunctioning Hamper Safety:
The shortage of walkie-talkies has plagued Indian Railways for months, exacerbated by the inability of local manufacturers to provide equipment that meets the required standards. As a makeshift solution, train crews resorted to using mobile phones for communication, a practice strictly prohibited due to safety concerns.
Global Procurement Authorized:
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Railway Board issued an order to all zonal General Managers, emphasizing the critical role of wireless communication in train operations and acknowledging the “serious safety concern” posed by the shortage of VHF sets. To rectify the situation, the Board has authorized the procurement of high-quality walkie-talkies from the global market, bypassing the Make-in-India policy temporarily.
Prioritizing Safety Over Domestic Production:
This exceptional measure underscores the Railways’ commitment to prioritizing safety over domestic production in this instance. The move also highlights the challenges faced by Indian manufacturers in meeting the stringent technical requirements of railway communication equipment.
Key Learning Points:
| Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Walkie-Talkie Shortage: | A critical shortage of walkie-talkies has jeopardized railway safety, prompting urgent action. |
| Make-in-India Waiver: | The Railways have temporarily waived the Make-in-India policy to procure quality communication devices from the global market. |
| Safety Concerns: | The Kanchanjunga train crash exposed the dangers of inadequate communication equipment among train crews. |
| Global Procurement: | The Railway Board has authorized the procurement of high-quality walkie-talkies from international suppliers to address the shortage. |
| Prioritizing Safety: | The Railways have prioritized safety over domestic production in this instance, highlighting the need for reliable communication equipment for train operations. |
Summary: Faced with a critical shortage of walkie-talkies and mounting safety concerns, Indian Railways has taken the extraordinary step of bypassing its Make-in-India policy to urgently procure essential communication devices from international suppliers. This decision underscores the prioritization of safety over domestic manufacturing in this critical situation. The move also highlights the need for Indian manufacturers to enhance their capabilities to meet the stringent requirements of the railway industry.
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
