NEW DELHI, FEB 22:  
Aiming to put rescue and restoration work during accidents on fast-track, the railways plans to import high-speed self-propelled accident relief trains (SPART) and hydraulic cranes with telescopic boom from Europe.

Currently, it has 27 self-propelled accident relief trains that run at a speed of 110 km per hour.
Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal will announce the proposal to import 160 km per hour high-speed relief trains in his maiden Rail Budget 2013-14 on February 26.
Diesel-driven SPART
“We are planning to buy two high-speed SPART which can run at 160 km per hour speed in the first phase,” said a senior Railway Ministry official, adding, “These will enable rescue equipment to reach the accident site at a faster pace and help in speedy rescue and restoration work.”
The diesel-driven SPART, consisting of three coaches, is estimated to cost about Rs 40 crore.
Railways will procure the trains through global tendering process. As per the plan, technology for the first two relief trains will be imported from Europe.
Hydraulic cranes
Besides, it has also decided to import eight hydraulic cranes with telescopic boom from Europe to strengthen its disaster management.
“We will go for global tenders to buy the new 175-tonne hydraulic cranes with telescopic boom shortly,” said the official.
The 175-tonne hydraulic crane is likely to cost about Rs 25 crore.
Currently, railways has 69 hydraulic cranes and the existing crane has a capacity to lift 140 tonnes. Since, the axle load of coach and wagon has increased, the railways plans to import the 175-tonne cranes.
“The telescopic boom cranes are required to undertake rescue work inside the tunnel or bridge,” he said.
Hydraulic cranes are equipped with cutters, spreaders and hand-operated tools, which will help in rescuing the passengers trapped inside the coaches in case of an accident.
Telescopic boom cranes are equipped with hydraulic cutters to cut LHB coaches and wagons made of stainless steel.