The incident, which occurred on June 17, resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people and left dozens more injured. The Kanchanjunga Express was en route from Agartala in Tripura to Sealdah in Kolkata when the collision took place.
The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) report highlighted “lapses at multiple levels in managing the train operations under Automatic Signal Failures,” categorizing the accident under “Error in Train Working.” Importantly, the report exonerated the loco pilot of the Kanchanjunga Express from any wrongdoing.
Among the critical findings, the report noted that an incorrect paper authority was issued for the goods train to traverse an area where the automatic signalling system was not operational. Additionally, the loco pilot was not alerted to maintain a specific speed limit while passing through this section.
Furthermore, the report underscored the absence of walkie talkies for communication between the train’s crew, which could have averted the collision. It also criticized the inadequate counseling of loco pilots and station masters regarding operating procedures in areas with automatic signalling systems, leading to misinterpretation of railway rules.
In response to the report’s findings, Indian Railways has committed to enhancing the reliability of signalling equipment and developing an action plan for zonal managers. Additionally, efforts are underway to implement “Kavach,” an indigenous system aimed at preventing accidents during simultaneous train operations on the same track.
Sources By Agencies