Vile Parle derailment: Statements of motorman, guard put focus on outdated systems

Four passengers had sustained injuries and services were severely affected for at least 24 hours after the derailment on September 15.

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“The motorman said that he felt a jerk and before he could understand what was wrong with the axle, the guard started signalling, which is a standard procedure in case of an emergency. However, the line from Andheri to Vile Parle does not have any crossover and it was difficult to take the local on any other track,” said a senior official from the inquiry committee.

The signals on the fast line are still on the old pattern, based on nine car rakes, whereas the rakes running currently are of 12 or 15 on Western Railway. The possibilities of non-maintenance of tracks on the lines are also under probe along with material failure of the axle.

“The statements of both the motorman and guard have brought forth the need for upgradation of signalling in services. The signalling system on this line is still running on nine car rakes and the distances on signalling are based on nine car rakes, instead of the current 12 or 15 car rakes. Due to the old system, the motorman and guard were helpless, but they took all efforts to ensure the safety of commuters,” the official added.

santoshee.mishra@expressindia.com