India Train Disaster: Minister Blames Signal Fault for Deadly Crash

Balasore : Signal Error Suspected in India Train Disaster- India’s railway minister has indicated that a signal fault may have been the cause of the tragic rail disaster in Odisha. It is believed that a “change in electronic interlocking” likely led to the incident. However, further details regarding the cause and those responsible for the three-train crash were not provided by Ashwini Vaishnaw.

The Railway Board of India stated that there was evidence of “signalling interference” rather than a complete failure. A comprehensive report on this century’s worst rail accident in India is expected to be released later.Signal Error Suspected in India Train Disaster

Following a recount, the death toll has been revised to 275, as some bodies were mistakenly counted twice. Out of the 1,175 injured individuals taken to hospitals, 793 have been discharged, while some families are still searching for their missing loved ones.

In railway signalling, the electronic interlocking system is responsible for setting the routes for trains within a designated area, ensuring their safe movement along the tracks.

Trains Collide on Loop Track: Passenger Train Hits Stationary Goods Train

The collision occurred when a passenger train collided with a stationary goods train and derailed after being mistakenly directed onto a loop track adjacent to the main line. The derailed carriages subsequently struck the rear carriages of a second passenger train traveling in the opposite direction.

During a press conference, Jaya Verma Sinha from the Railway Board explained that both passenger trains approached a station in the Balasore district under a green signal, indicating it was safe, within seconds of each other and at the correct speed of under 130 km/h (81 mph).Signal Error Suspected in India Train Disaster

According to Sinha, the passenger trains were meant to pass each other on the main lines, but the Coromandel Express collided with an iron ore-laden freight train on the loop line. This caused the engine and some coaches to lift over the top of the heavy goods carriages. The passenger train bore the full impact of the collision, while the freight train remained undamaged and unaffected.

The Howrah Superfast Express had nearly completed crossing in the opposite direction, but two of its rear coaches were struck by the derailed Coromandel Express.

Sinha stated that there was no problem with the electronic interlocking system and preliminary investigations indicated some form of signalling interference rather than a system failure. The exact cause, whether it was manual, incidental, weather-related, due to wear and tear, or a maintenance failure, will be determined through a thorough inquiry.

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According to infrastructure expert Partha Mukhopadhyay, it should be technically impossible for green signals to be displayed on the main line if the track is set for the loop. Mr. Mukhopadhyay, affiliated with the Centre for Policy Research, a think tank based in Delhi, emphasized that signal interlocking is designed to be fail-safe, and such a level of failure is highly unprecedented.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site on Saturday and assured that those found responsible would face severe punishment.  Signal Error Suspected in India Train Disaster

It is estimated that approximately 2,000 people were on board the two passenger trains involved in the collision—the Coromandel Express, which was traveling between Kolkata and Chennai, and the Howrah Superfast Express, traveling from Yesvantpur to Howrah. The incident occurred at around 19:00 local time on Friday.

Pradeep Jena, an official from Odisha state, stated that there are still 187 unidentified bodies, and authorities are uploading photographs of the victims on government websites. If necessary, DNA testing will be conducted to establish their identities.

The rescue operations were successfully concluded on Saturday, and authorities are now focused on clearing the wreckage and restoring train services, according to officials.

India boasts one of the largest railway networks globally, catering to millions of passengers who rely on it for daily transportation. However, a significant portion of the country’s railway infrastructure is in need of improvement and modernization. Signal Error Suspected in India Train Disaster

During this time of year, trains in India can become extremely crowded, particularly with the increased number of people traveling during school holidays.

The most devastating train tragedy in India’s history occurred in 1981. During a cyclone in Bihar state, an overcrowded passenger train was derailed and plunged into a river, resulting in the loss of approximately 800 lives.