Introduction
The Railway Board, Ministry of Railways, Government of India, has issued fresh instructions regarding the inspection of Training Institutes, Training Centers, and Training Schools functioning under Zonal Railways. These inspections are aimed at ensuring proper infrastructure, teaching facilities, safety standards, and overall quality of training being imparted to railway staff.
The latest communication reiterates earlier directions and introduces a comprehensive inspection checklist to standardize the inspection process across all zones.
Railway Board Order on Training Institute Inspection
As per Railway Board letter No. NOC 2023/CE-II/TK/Inspection dated 05.12.2025, all Zonal Railways were reminded that:
- Training Institutes under their jurisdiction must be inspected at least once every six months.
- Inspections shall be conducted by Chief Track Engineers (CTEs) and Chief Engineers (General) – CE(G).
- The instruction is in continuation of the earlier Railway Board letter dated 07.06.2016.
The order has been issued with the approval of the competent authority and is applicable to all Zonal Railways.
Purpose of Regular Inspection
Regular inspection of training institutes is essential to:
- Maintain quality training standards
- Ensure safety, hygiene, and infrastructure readiness
- Assess teaching facilities and availability of trained faculty
- Improve learning outcomes for railway employees
Checklist for Inspection of Training Institutes
To ensure uniformity, the Railway Board has enclosed a detailed checklist. Though indicative and not exhaustive, all listed items must be inspected carefully.
1. Infrastructure and Basic Facilities
Inspecting officers must verify:
- Condition and maintenance of buildings and classrooms
- Cleanliness of premises, including toilets
- Availability of adequate furniture such as tables, chairs, desks, and podiums
- Proper lighting and ventilation in rooms
- Safe and sufficient drinking water supply
- Adequate and gender-segregated toilets and washrooms
- Fire safety arrangements including extinguishers, emergency exits, and signage
- Availability of first aid kits and access to medical services
2. Hostel, Mess, and Canteen Facilities
Where hostel facilities exist, inspection must cover:
- Sufficiency of hostel accommodation for training batches
- Cleanliness and safety of hostels
- Availability of messing facilities
- Hygiene and cleanliness of kitchen and canteen facilities (if available)
3. Teaching and Learning Facilities
The following academic facilities are to be reviewed:
- Uninterrupted power supply with backup arrangements
- Adequate number of classrooms
- Functional whiteboards
- Availability of updated codes, manuals, and course-wise study material
- Audio-visual teaching aids
- Properly equipped model rooms
- Demonstration yards for practical exposure
- Library with relevant books and reading space
- Computer labs with internet connectivity
- Availability of qualified and sufficient teaching staff
- Proper maintenance of timetables and attendance records
- Display and use of safety instructions
4. Other Essential Facilities
Additional areas to be inspected include:
- Recreational and sports facilities
- Updated notice boards and information displays
- Feedback and grievance redressal mechanism
- Security arrangements such as guards and CCTV
- Housekeeping and maintenance services
Earlier Railway Board Instructions (2016)
The requirement for six-monthly inspection was originally issued vide Railway Board letter No. 2007/EDCE(P)/Insp. Note dated 07.06.2016.
The Board had clearly instructed that:
- Training Institutes on Zonal Railways must be inspected by CTEs and CE(G)s
- Inspection reports should be submitted to the Railway Board for information
The latest order reinforces strict compliance with these directions.
Conclusion
The Railway Board’s renewed focus on inspection of training institutes highlights the importance of quality training, safety, and infrastructure standards in Indian Railways. Zonal Railways are expected to ensure thorough inspections using the prescribed checklist and maintain proper records and compliance reports.
Regular and structured inspections will play a vital role in strengthening training systems and enhancing the professional competence of railway personnel.