TransportationIMPROVEApproved
India-wide
Railway Board bars private agencies from inspecting safety-critical rail components
22 Sept 2026
The Railway Board decided to remove private agencies from quality inspections of safety-critical components (including brakes, wheels, springs and couplers) and require inspection by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) irrespective of purchase order value or quantity. CRIS was directed to update the railways’ procurement portal to reflect the revised inspection requirements.
Why it matters
Shifting inspections for safety-critical parts back to RDSO tightens quality control to reduce the risk of defects that can affect safe train and freight operations.
Railway BoardResearch Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO)Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS)