16 May,2026 05:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The investigation found that the supplied MPCBs were counterfeit. Representational Pic
Central Railway has uncovered a major fraud involving the supply of counterfeit electrical equipment under a government tender and registered an FIR against the accused firm, officials said.
According to Central Railway, the case pertains to the procurement of Motor Protection Circuit Breakers (MPCBs), which are used in railway coaches for electrical safety.
Officials said the Material Department of Central Railway floated a tender on November 8, 2025, for the procurement of MPCBs.
A Kolkata-based firm was later awarded the contract after claiming it would supply genuine products manufactured by a reputed electrical company.
A purchase order for 325 MPCBs was issued on December 10, 2025, and the devices were delivered in January 2026 along with test certificates allegedly issued by the manufacturer.
The issue came to light on March 7, 2026, after smoke was detected inside Coach No. 222961 when the MPCBs reportedly failed to trip during a high-voltage situation.
Central Railway immediately constituted a technical committee, which concluded that the supplied devices were defective and posed a serious risk to passenger safety.
Officials said Central Railway initiated an independent verification process with the original manufacturer, which revealed that the Kolkata-based supplier was not an authorised dealer.
The investigation further found that the supplied MPCBs were counterfeit and that the test certificates submitted with the consignment were fabricated.
On May 5, 2026, technical experts from the manufacturer formally certified that at least five of the supplied MPCBs were fake, confirming the railway's findings.
Following the investigation, the Senior Material Manager at Matunga Workshop lodged a formal complaint against the supplier. An FIR has been registered at Shahu Nagar Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
Officials said the counterfeit and defective equipment endangered passenger safety and that legal action is being pursued against those responsible.
Central Railway said it is fully cooperating with law enforcement agencies and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards fraud and safety violations.
Officials added that further investigation into the matter is currently underway while measures are being strengthened to prevent similar incidents in the future.
