2025, Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part C

author(s)
Priyanka Priyadarshi

abstract
This paper examines the increasing mismatch between asset creation and maintenance efforts in the Signal & Telecommunication (S&T) Department of East Central Railway (ECR), India. Using expenditure data from five financial years, the study reveals a widening gap between the expansion of S&T infrastructure and the corresponding growth in human and financial resources for its upkeep. The findings highlight the implications for operational safety, reliability, and the work-life balance of maintenance staff, proposing a dual strategy involving both increased funding and manpower recruitment to mitigate these challenges. This paper analyses financial trend of capital creation and maintenance of Signal & Telecommunication (S&T) assets in the Eastern Central Railway (ECR) between 2020-2021 to 2024-2025. It is evident that asset creation and maintenance has steadily been increasing with a high positive correlation that shows that balanced investment leads to greater safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. The results indicate that sustainable budgeting, appropriate manpower, and technological advancement are necessary and the policies to encourage work-life balance of S&T employees are in demand. Such actions are essential in the sustainability of infrastructure performance and resiliency in the railway industry.