Kanchanjunga Express Derailment
A head-on collision between the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express and a goods train in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district resulted in a devastating accident on the morning of June 17th. The incident claimed the lives of nine people, including seven passengers and two railway staff members.
Collision and Casualties:
The stationary Kanchanjunga Express was struck from behind by a goods train near Rangapani station, located approximately 30 kilometers from New Jalpaiguri station in North Bengal. The impact of the collision caused the derailment of the three rear coaches of the passenger train.
Official Response and Investigation:
Following the accident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished for a speedy recovery for the injured. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the site and confirmed the completion of rescue operations. He also announced a probe into the cause of the accident by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS).
The Ministry of Railways issued a statement detailing the casualties. Nine individuals sustained critical injuries, while another 32 suffered minor injuries. All injured passengers were transported to the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital for treatment. The Minister further announced financial assistance for the affected families. Those who lost loved ones will receive ₹10 lakh, while critically injured individuals will be provided with ₹2.5 lakh. Passengers with minor injuries are eligible for ₹50,000.
Cause of the Accident Under Scrutiny:
New information has come to light regarding the circumstances surrounding the accident. Internal railway documents reveal that the goods train that collided with the Kanchanjunga Express was authorized to bypass red signals due to a reported failure in the automatic signalling system.
A written document known as a Temporary Authority (TA) 912, issued by the station master of Ranipatra station to the driver of the goods train, permitted him to proceed past all red signals between Ranipatra Railway Station and Chattar Hat Junction.
Railway Safety Regulations and Discrepancies:
However, it’s crucial to clarify that a TA 912 authorization doesn’t grant unrestricted passage through red signals at regular speeds. Railway regulations mandate specific safety protocols when a locomotive pilot receives a TA 912 and encounters a red signal. These protocols include approaching the signal at a significantly reduced speed of 10 kmph, bringing the train to a near halt as close as possible to the signal. Additionally, a waiting period of one minute during the day and two minutes at night is required before cautiously proceeding at the same reduced speed of 10 kmph.
Furthermore, regulations emphasize maintaining a minimum safe distance of 150 meters or two overhead equipment spans between the goods train and any preceding train or obstruction on the track after passing the red signal. This Kanchanjunga Express incident raises questions about whether these safety protocols were strictly followed by the goods train driver.
Looking Forward: Preventing Similar Tragedies:
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation by the Commissioner of Railway Safety to determine the exact cause of the Kanchanjunga Express accident. He also assured that necessary measures will be implemented to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Restoring normal train operations on the critical route connecting northeast India with the rest of the country remains a top priority for the railways.
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