The “Communiqué on Major Change Decision Criteria in the Railway Safety Management System” prepared by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and published in the Official Gazette, brings into effect important regulations aimed at improving safety management in the railway. The communiqué aims to regulate the aspects of changes in railway infrastructure, vehicles, operations, organizational structures and managerial practices of operators that may pose major risks in terms of safety.
What Are the Major Changes?
With the Communiqué, minimum decision criteria for major changes to be made on the railway were determined. Developments such as the transition from freight transport to hazardous freight transport or passenger transport, which are especially important for railway operators, and the transition from conventional train operation to high-speed train operation were defined as major operational changes. Such changes will need to be carefully evaluated as they can directly affect railway safety.
Changes to be Made to Vehicles and Maintenance Processes
Type changes or modifications to be made to railway vehicles are also included in the scope of “major changes”. In addition, decisions such as extending inspection and maintenance periods in existing maintenance plans will also be evaluated in this category. The processes specified in the “Common Safety Method and Guide for Risk Assessment” will be implemented to effectively manage such changes.
Control and Management Process
The General Directorate of Transport Services Regulation will have major responsibilities in planning, implementing and managing major changes. This institution will be authorized to supervise the conformity assessment activities to be carried out in accordance with the circular. This regulation covers railway infrastructure and train operators as well as organizations responsible for maintenance services.
This circular is an important step that will ensure that railway safety is managed in a more systematic and safe manner. Planning and monitoring major changes that may affect safety in accordance with the specified criteria will increase the sustainability and safety of the railway system.
