Signal Error Revealed as Cause of Odisha Train Tragedy: 41 Victims Yet to be Identified
In a recent report by the Ministry of Railways, it has been unveiled that a signal error was responsible for the devastating triple train accident that occurred in Balasore, Odisha, last June. This tragic incident resulted in over 293 deaths and more than 1,000 injuries, making it one of the worst rail disasters in India in the last two decades.
The investigation conducted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety pointed out lapses in the signalling circuit alteration at North Signal Goomty station and during the execution of signalling work for the replacement of the Electric Lifting Barrier. These errors led to a green signal being displayed for the wrong line, ultimately resulting in a collision between a moving train and a stationary goods train. The report emphasized the glaring lapses and negligence on the part of railway authorities.
As if the gravity of the tragedy wasn’t enough, the government has revealed that 41 passengers from the accident still remain unidentified, further amplifying the grim toll of this tragic event.
While the report shed light on the cause of the Balasore accident, it failed to provide details on similar signal failures that have occurred in the past three years. Nevertheless, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) recently arrested three Indian Railways employees, charging them with culpable homicide not amounting to murder and destruction of evidence in connection with the accident.
During the ongoing investigation, another incident at Bankranayabaz station in the Kharagpur Division of South Eastern Railway on May 16, 2022, involving wrong wiring and cable fault, came to light. The Commissioner of Railway Safety report indicated that if corrective measures had been taken after this incident, the Balasore tragedy could potentially have been prevented.
In response to the report, the Congress party has accused the Narendra Modi government of compromising on railway safety and emphasized that this human error reflects a failure in management and political leadership.
Following the tragic incident, the General Manager of South Eastern Railway, Archana Joshi, was removed from her post, and Anil Kumar Mishra has been appointed as her successor.
The accident involved three trains: the Kolkata-Chennai Coromandel Express, the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, and a goods train. As the investigation continues, more details may emerge to shed further light on the events leading up to this tragic rail disaster.
This devastating train accident has highlighted the pressing need for improved safety measures within the Indian Railways. It is hoped that the responsible authorities will take appropriate action to prevent such accidents from occurring in the future and ensure the safety of passengers and railway staff.
