📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Suyash Dwivedi
National
Railways still silent on alcohol testing norms a year after Bilaspur crash
✍️ Business Standard
🗓 25 Oct 2026, 03:36 AM
👁 13
A year after the fatal Bilaspur train crash, Indian Railways has not issued clear guidelines on alcohol testing for staff, prompting continued calls for clarification.
The Indian Railways ministry has yet to publish definitive guidelines on alcohol testing for railway personnel, despite mounting pressure following the tragic Bilaspur crash that occurred twelve months ago. The incident, which resulted in significant loss of life, reignited debates over the role of alcohol consumption in railway safety.
Stakeholders, including railway unions and safety watchdogs, have repeatedly urged the authorities to standardise testing procedures and communicate the protocol to all operational staff. However, official statements from the Ministry of Railways remain limited, and no concrete timetable for the release of the norms has been provided.
The lack of clarity has raised concerns among passengers and advocacy groups, who argue that transparent testing standards are essential to restore public confidence in rail travel. As the anniversary of the Bilaspur tragedy approaches, the railway board faces increasing scrutiny over its safety oversight mechanisms.
Railway officials have indicated that a comprehensive review of existing policies is underway, but details of the proposed framework have not been disclosed. Until the norms are formally announced, the issue is likely to remain a focal point of public and media attention.
The situation underscores broader challenges in implementing consistent safety measures across India's extensive rail network, where operational complexities often delay policy roll‑outs.
Stakeholders, including railway unions and safety watchdogs, have repeatedly urged the authorities to standardise testing procedures and communicate the protocol to all operational staff. However, official statements from the Ministry of Railways remain limited, and no concrete timetable for the release of the norms has been provided.
The lack of clarity has raised concerns among passengers and advocacy groups, who argue that transparent testing standards are essential to restore public confidence in rail travel. As the anniversary of the Bilaspur tragedy approaches, the railway board faces increasing scrutiny over its safety oversight mechanisms.
Railway officials have indicated that a comprehensive review of existing policies is underway, but details of the proposed framework have not been disclosed. Until the norms are formally announced, the issue is likely to remain a focal point of public and media attention.
The situation underscores broader challenges in implementing consistent safety measures across India's extensive rail network, where operational complexities often delay policy roll‑outs.