“Disaster Averted: 19 Injured as Mysuru-Darbhanga Express Crashes into Goods Train Near Chennai”
A serious train accident occurred near Chennai on the evening of October 11, 2024, when the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express collided with a stationary goods train at Kavaraippettai Railway Station. The incident took place around 8:30 PM, resulting in injuries to 19 passengers, although fortunately, there were no fatalities reported.
Incident Details
The passenger train, traveling from Mysuru to Darbhanga, was carrying approximately 1,360 passengers at the time of the accident. Initial investigations suggest that a signaling failure may have contributed to the collision. The train, which had received a green signal to proceed, unexpectedly entered a loop line instead of the main line and struck the parked goods train while traveling at about 75 km/h.
.As a result of the impact, 12 to 13 coaches of the express train derailed, and one coach reportedly caught fire. Immediate rescue operations were launched, with railway officials and local residents assisting in evacuating passengers.
Response and Recovery
District Collector T Prabhushankar confirmed that all injured individuals were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Among the injured, four sustained severe injuries but are now reported to be stable. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin, has been actively monitoring the situation and has ordered that all necessary support be provided to those affected.
.Railway authorities have set up helplines for stranded passengers and arranged for food and water at the site. A special train was dispatched from Dr MGR Chennai Central early on October 12 to transport affected passengers to their destinations. Train services on the Chennai-Gudur route have been disrupted, with several trains being diverted or canceled due to the accident.
Comparisons and Safety Concerns
This incident has drawn parallels with the tragic Balasore train crash in June 2023, which resulted in numerous casualties. The similarities in circumstances—both involving signaling errors—have raised concerns about railway safety protocols. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has indicated that further investigations will be conducted to prevent such occurrences in the future.
What caused the signalling failure in the accident
The signaling failure that contributed to the recent train accident near Chennai appears to stem from a combination of technical malfunctions and human error. Preliminary investigations indicate that the automatic signaling system was not functioning correctly, which led to the issuance of a T/A 912 authorization. This document allowed trains to bypass red signals under specific conditions, but it also required strict adherence to safety protocols.
Key Factors in the Signaling Failure
- Automatic Signaling System Malfunction: The automatic signaling system had been down since early morning on the day of the accident, prompting railway officials to issue T/A 912 to both the goods train and the passenger train. This authorization permits trains to pass red signals but mandates that they must proceed at reduced speeds and stop for a designated time at each signal.
- Speed Regulations Ignored: Despite being granted T/A 912, the driver of the goods train reportedly exceeded the maximum allowed speed of 10 km/h while navigating through malfunctioning signals. This disregard for established safety protocols is believed to have played a significant role in the collision.
- Human Error: Initial reports suggest that human error, particularly in how the T/A 912 was applied, contributed to the accident. The freight train’s driver may not have been aware of the Kanchanjunga Express ahead due to improper communication regarding track clearance.
- Systematic Issues: Railway experts have pointed out that systemic shortcomings in railway infrastructure and signaling protocols may have led to this incident. The improper issuance of manual authorizations further complicated matters, as T/A 912 does not inherently carry speed restrictions unless specified under certain conditions.
Conclusion
The recent train accident near Chennai highlights critical vulnerabilities in railway safety protocols, particularly concerning signaling systems. The combination of technical malfunctions and human error played a significant role in the collision between the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express and a stationary goods train.As investigations continue, it is imperative for railway authorities to address these systemic issues comprehensively. Implementing robust maintenance schedules for signaling equipment, enhancing training for train operators, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols are essential steps to prevent future incidents.The focus now shifts to supporting the injured and restoring normalcy in train services while reinforcing the commitment to passenger safety. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability within the railway system, aiming for a safer travel experience for all passengers moving forward.
