The Comptroller and Auditor General, CAG has observed safety related works are being accorded low priority by Railways. The CAG report tabled in Parliament today said, though sufficient funds were available, large number of road overbridge and road underbridge works were pending as on March 2011 and the actual budget allocations reflected low priority due to inadequate commitment by the Railways. The CAG report said that Construction of these are essential for eliminating unmanned level crossings which are the major reason for train accidents. The CAG has suggested better coordination with state governments for the speedy execution of the works already sanctioned and funds effectively utilised.

Taking note of the slow progress in measures to prevent accidents, the CAG pointed out despite field trials carried out since 2001, a robust and reliable anti-collision device has not been developed by railways yet.

Similarly, the CAG found despite commissioning of the train protection warning system in Southern Railway in May 2009 at a cost of Rs 49.49 crore, the trial reports indicated various failures of the equipment requiring modifications in the software.