📷 Image Credits: The Times of India
The recent tragic accident involving the Kanchanjunga Express in West Bengal has left the nation in shock, with reports surfacing about the authorization given to the goods train driver to skip red signals. The goods train, which collided with the Kanchanjunga Express, resulting in nine fatalities, was allowed to cross all red signals due to a malfunction in the automatic signalling system. The driver was issued a written authority known as TA 912 by the station master of Ranipatra, permitting him to ignore red signals between Ranipatra station and Chattar Hat Junction. This authorization is typically granted when there are no obstructions or other trains on the line in that section.
The malfunction of the automatic signalling system was reported from 5:50 am, leaving the driver to rely solely on the manual authorization provided. The Railway Board initially suggested that the collision occurred due to the goods train neglecting the signal, ultimately crashing into the Kanchanjungha Express en route to Sealdah from Agartala, Tripura. Additionally, it was noted that the Guwahati-Delhi route, which connects northeast India with the rest of the country, lacked the anti-train collision system ‘Kavach,’ further emphasizing the need for advanced safety measures. The tragic incident resulted in the loss of lives of the loco pilot of the goods train and the guard of the Kanchanjungha Express.
The Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, visited the accident site and shared that a probe conducted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety was initiated to determine the cause of the collision. As the nation mourns the lives lost in this accident, questions arise regarding the safety protocols and infrastructure in place to prevent such tragedies. The opposition has criticized Vaishnaw, calling for his resignation and highlighting the importance of prioritizing safety measures to avoid such calamities in the future.
