Odisha train accident: Railways seeks CBI probe; we have identified root cause, those responsible, says Vaishnaw

“Keeping in mind the situation and circumstances under which the accident took place, and the administrative information gathered so far, the Railway Board is recommending that further inquiry and investigation into the case be undertaken by the CBI,” Vaishnaw said in Bhubaneswar later on Sunday evening.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw overseeing the restoration work at the accident spot in Odisha’s Balasore. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

In the interview to Doordarshan, he had said: “Whoever has done this, has done such a change — on the point machine, the configuration of the track — based on which everything runs… There has been a change in that configuration, because of which this painful accident has happened. But I will comment on that only after the report of the independent agency is submitted.”

The electric point machine Vaishnaw referred to is a vital device for railway signalling for quick operation and locking of point switches. It plays a key role in the safe running of trains. Failure of these machines severely affect train movement and deficiencies at the time of installation can result in unsafe conditions.

The statutory probe by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) will continue simultaneously, officials in the Railways Ministry said.

The accident involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train occurred at around 7 pm on Friday near the Bahanaga Bazar station in Odisha’s Balasore district. On Sunday, the state government said 275 people lost their lives, revising the toll down from 288 on Saturday.

In New Delhi, Railway Board Member (Operations and Business Development) Jaya Verma Sinha told the media that the people (responsible) have been identified. “The people have been identified. But we will be able to share that only after the CRS inquiry.”

She said the data-logger input (the digital interface of the signalling system) showed no defect. “We have all viewed the data-logger report. There is no defect in the logic of the signal that was observed,” she said.

At the site of the accident Sunday morning, Vaishnaw had told Doordarshan: “The Commissioner of Railway Safety was at the site yesterday (Saturday)… CRS has taken statements from all people, and has proceeded fast. The root cause has been identified — people who have done this work have also been identified. The CRS inquiry report — the reason why the accident happened will also be known early.”

To a question on whether the accident happened due to a technical or human error or because of anti-social elements, Vaishnaw said: “It is not right to comment on this… it is possible to comment, but not proper… I can say only after the independent agency (CRS) submits its report. But the probe is over…”

Vaishnaw also said the accident had nothing to do with what Mamata Banerjee, the West Bengal Chief Minister and former Railways Minister, claimed on Saturday. Banerjee had said the accident could have been averted had the train been fitted with an anti-collision device. “I want to clarify — this accident is not about the collision avoidance system,” he said.

After visiting the injured at a Balasore hospital Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said: “Strictest action will be taken against those found guilty in the train accident incident. No one will be spared.”