Possible signalling error may have caused Odisha train tragedy

In a multi-disciplinary joint-inspection note by supervisors, it was concluded that a green signal was given to the Coromandel Express to pass through the designated main line, and then the signal was taken off. But the train entered the loop line, rammed into a stationary goods train and derailed. Meanwhile, on the down line, the superfast express train from Yashwantpur had arrived and its two coaches derailed.

“We…after careful observation, came to the conclusion that signal was given, and taken off, for Up main line for 12841, but this train entered into Up loop line and dashed with goods train which was on Up loop line and derailed,” says the note.

While the Commissioner of Railway Safety will probe the details, officials in the Railways are looking into signalling error/failure as well as issues to do with the loco pilot, a top source said. The Railways has not yet officially come out with any cause for the derailments.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior members of the Prime Minister’s Office and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) took a briefing on the accident from Railway Board Member (Operations and Business Development) Jaya Varma Sinha in the morning.

After around 10 hours of intense mobilisation of all possible resources available to the state and Centre, the rescue operation at the site of the twin derailments at the Bahanaga Bazar railway station in Odisha was completed Saturday morning. “The rescue operation has been completed, now we are starting the restoration work,” said Railway ministry spokesperson Amitabh Sharma.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw as well the entire Railway Board, except member (operations) and member (finance), are at the spot of the accident.

Two special trains carrying 1,200 stranded passengers of the ill-fated Coromandel Express and the Yashwantpur-Howrah Superfast Express left the accident spot.