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The State Chief Information Commission (CIC) reprimanded Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (MahaRail) for failing to respond to a Right to Information (RTI) request from former minister Avinash Warjukar. The application sought details about the corporation's formation, leadership appointments, approvals for sanctioned works, and ongoing development projects. MahaRail admitted the RTI Act applies but acknowledged many records were missing or only partly online. The CIC directed the corporation to provide all requested information free of cost within two weeks, and also recommended appointing full-time RTI personnel to ensure accountability and compliance.
Nagpur authorities at the State Chief Information Commission (CIC) criticised Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (MahaRail) for failing to respond to an RTI application from former state minister Avinash Warjukar, identifying the lapse as a clear breach of the RTI Act. The Commission highlighted weaknesses in the organisation's handling of RTI requests and pointed out gaps in accountability and record management. Advertisement
Warjukar had submitted RTI applications in early 2024 and early 2025 seeking information across 12 key points. These included the process of establishing MahaRail, appointments of senior officials including the managing director, approvals for sanctioned works, details of development projects, and financial allocations. The corporation did not provide the information within the statutory period, prompting the applicant to file a first appeal in early 2025, followed by a second appeal to the CIC when no progress was made.
During the hearing, MahaRail officials acknowledged that the RTI Act is applicable to the corporation and expressed regret over previous statements suggesting otherwise. The Commission observed that much of the requested information was either missing or only partially available online. It also noted that the absence of continuity, due to Public Information Officers and appellate authorities being on short-term contracts and having left the organisation, caused confusion about accountability and delayed responses.
Considering these issues, the CIC directed MahaRail to provide all information related to the 12 points free of cost within two weeks. The corporation was also asked to submit copies of the RTI application register and responses to the Commission's secretary. The CIC recommended that the general administration department issue formal guidelines for appointing dedicated RTI personnel in organisations like MahaRail. The current director was urged to take suitable administrative action to address the lapses and ensure proper compliance going forward.
The Commission emphasised that proactive disclosure of records and improved RTI management is essential to maintain transparency in public infrastructure organisations. By enforcing strict timelines and accountability measures, the CIC has underlined that statutory rights to information must be respected. Strengthening internal record systems and ensuring full-time RTI staff can prevent delays, improve transparency, and build public confidence in how infrastructure projects are administered.
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