Train Accident: Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express Collides with Goods Train in Tamil Nadu, 19 Injured
In a tragic incident, the Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express met with an accident last night near Triv, Tamil Nadu, resulting in 19 injuries, with three passengers in critical condition who have been admitted to the ICU. The accident occurred after the train was given the green signal to proceed on the main line after crossing Neri station at 8:02 PM on October 11. However, before reaching Kauai Pei railway station, the train experienced a sudden shock, leading it to divert onto a loop line, where it collided with a stationary goods train.
Details of the Accident
According to reports, there was widespread panic among the passengers following the collision. At the time of the incident, the Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express was carrying a large number of travelers. Railways officials have confirmed that they are investigating the cause of the train’s sudden diversion onto the loop line, despite receiving the main line signal.
A prompt rescue operation was launched, and all passengers were evacuated from the derailed coaches. Fortunately, there were no casualties, and no passenger suffered serious injuries. A special DEMU rake was arranged to transport passengers to Chennai, from where a special train will take them to their final destination.
Rescue and Relief Operations
The rescue efforts were conducted on a war footing, with teams working overnight to clear the railway track and restore services. The accident has caused delays and route changes for several other trains, leaving many passengers stranded and frustrated. Some travelers reported long waits, with one passenger mentioning, “I’ve been waiting for over an hour, and it’s getting difficult.”
Fault in Railway Department: A Call for Accountability
This tragic accident has raised serious concerns about the negligence of the railway department. The fault lies in the failure of the railway signaling system, which allowed the train to divert onto a loop line where a goods train was already stationed. This indicates a possible lapse in coordination between the station masters, signal controllers, and the loco pilot. Such errors point to larger systemic flaws within the Indian Railways’ safety protocols. Overworked railway staff, long working hours, and inadequate rest have also been highlighted as contributing factors, weakening the overall safety framework.
Political leaders and railway unions have continuously voiced their concerns over the lack of proper safety measures and the growing pressure on railway employees. These issues, if not addressed, pose an increasing threat to the lives of passengers.
Steps the Government is Taking to Prevent Accidents
In the aftermath of the accident, the central government has announced several steps to prevent such mishaps in the future:
1. Implementation of Anti-Collision Devices (ACD): The government is accelerating the implementation of advanced anti-collision devices, such as the Kavach system, designed to prevent head-on and rear-end collisions by automatically stopping trains when signals are violated.
2. Upgradation of Signaling Systems: The government has been investing in modernizing railway signaling systems to ensure real-time communication between the train, signal controllers, and stations. This will help prevent incidents like accidental diversions onto wrong tracks.
3. Installation of Track-Circuit Monitoring: Railways has planned to install track-circuit monitoring systems that will alert the controllers if a train mistakenly moves onto the wrong track. This would prevent trains from entering loop lines or sidetracks where other trains are stationed.
4. Increase in Rest Periods for Employees: Railway employees, especially loco pilots and signal controllers, will receive more regulated rest periods to reduce the strain caused by long shifts and prevent fatigue-induced errors.
5. Modernization of Tracks and Coaches: The government is also focusing on modernizing older tracks and replacing outdated coaches with new, safer designs to minimize derailments and improve crashworthiness in case of accidents.
6. Regular Safety Audits: The Railways Ministry has initiated more frequent safety audits across the country’s railway zones to ensure that all trains adhere to safety guidelines and that necessary safety upgrades are being implemented.
7. Strengthening of Railway Security: Measures to enhance surveillance at major stations and crucial junctions have been undertaken, ensuring that real-time monitoring of train operations is maintained at all times.
Political Reactions and Concerns
The incident has sparked political outrage, with Congress criticizing the central government for its failure to ensure the safety of passengers. Party leaders highlighted the overworking of railway employees, lack of rest facilities, and weak safety protocols as contributing factors to the rise in railway accidents.
The BJP’s ally, JDU, has also expressed concern, pointing out that while modernization efforts like high-speed trains are commendable, safety must remain a top priority. Nitish Kumar, former Railway Minister, emphasized that significant policy changes are required to enhance railway safety across the country.
Congress Criticism and Call for Accountability
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted, drawing comparisons between this accident and previous tragedies like the Balasore accident, calling for greater accountability at the highest levels. He stressed that the government must learn from past mistakes and take immediate steps to prevent future accidents.
State Government’s Response
The Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister assured the public that the state government is actively involved in the relief efforts, with the police department and local officials working on the ground. The Chief Minister is closely monitoring the situation to ensure that all passengers are safe.
Conclusion
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the urgent need for railway safety reforms in India. With railways being the lifeline of the nation, it is crucial that the central government takes concrete steps to improve safety measures and prevent such accidents from recurring. The Railways must prioritize the safety of passengers while continuing its modernization efforts. Accountability within the railway department is essential to ensure such avoidable accidents do not happen in the future. The Indian government must focus on upgrading its safety protocols and ensuring that its workforce is well-rested and alert, all while modernizing rail infrastructure to handle the increasing demands of the network.
FAQs:
1. What caused the accident of the Mysore-Darbhanga Bagmati Express?
The accident occurred when the train received a green signal to run on the main line but was suddenly diverted to a loop line, where it collided with a stationary goods train. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of this diversion.
2. How many people were injured in the accident?
19 people were injured in the accident, with three passengers in critical condition who were admitted to the ICU. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
3. Were rescue operations carried out immediately?
Yes, rescue and relief operations were conducted on a war footing. All passengers were safely evacuated, and a special DEMU rake was arranged to transport them to Chennai.
4. Is the railway department responsible for the accident?
Preliminary reports suggest that there may have been a fault in the signaling system, which allowed the train to be diverted to the loop line. The accident also highlights potential systemic issues within the railway department, such as overworked staff and safety protocol failures.
5. What steps is the government taking to prevent such accidents?
The government is taking several steps, including:
Implementing anti-collision devices like the Kavach system.
Upgrading signaling systems.
Enhancing track-circuit monitoring.
Increasing rest periods for railway employees.
Modernizing tracks and coaches.
Conducting regular safety audits and strengthening railway security.
6. Has the government responded to concerns about railway safety?
Yes, the central and state governments are actively involved in the investigation and rescue efforts. The government is committed to enhancing railway safety by modernizing infrastructure and improving safety protocols.
7. What political reactions have followed the accident?
Congress and other opposition parties have criticized the central government for not prioritizing railway safety. There have been calls for accountability, and political leaders have urged the government to take immediate steps to prevent future accidents.
8. Will the affected passengers be compensated?
While no official statement on compensation has been made yet, the Indian Railways typically provides financial compensation for passengers affected by such accidents. Further details are expected once investigations are completed.
9. How can passengers ensure their safety while traveling by train?
Passengers should always follow railway safety guidelines, such as staying seated while the train is moving, avoiding overcrowded areas, and being aware of emergency exits. Additionally, keeping track of safety advisories issued by the railway department can help ensure a safer journey.
10. Has train service resumed after the accident?
Efforts are underway to restore the railway track and resume normal train operations. However, delays and route changes may continue for some time as the investigation and repair work progress.
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