An initial joint investigation into the derailment of a coal-loaded freight train near Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, has pointed to poor maintenance as the cause of the accident, according to railway sources. However, the North Central Railway (NCR) clarified that this is a preliminary observation, and the final report may differ.

“We have initiated a detailed inquiry by a committee of railway officials to examine all aspects of the derailment. The initial probe was an expert opinion based on immediate site observations,” said Shashi Kant Tripathi, CPRO, NCR. He emphasized that conclusions drawn from the initial findings might be reversed in the final report.

The joint probe, an internal document signed by six senior officials, attributed the accident to poor maintenance of the wagons’ undercarriages. Various parts were found broken, suggesting mechanical failure. The report held the Carriage and Wagon (C&W) mechanical department responsible for the derailment of 26 wagons on September 18, 2024, near Vrindavan Road Station, which caused significant disruption on the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai routes. Numerous Express, Mail, and Vande Bharat trains were canceled or diverted.

Fortunately, a fourth rail line on the route allowed for the gradual release of stranded trains, ensuring safety precautions were observed.

One C&W department officer dissented, blaming the signal department instead, and argued that the investigation process did not adhere to Railway Board guidelines. No evidence of foul play or external interference was found in the incident.

The train, which departed Mathura at 7:36 PM, experienced a rapid loss of speed after crossing Vrindavan Yard at 7:54 PM due to a sudden drop in brake pipe pressure, leading to the derailment in just 47 seconds.

Following the accident, 500 workers were deployed to clear the tracks. While no injuries were reported, the derailment caused significant damage to wagons, rail infrastructure, and mechanical components. Train services have since been restored, though speed restrictions remain in place at the site as repairs continue.

On September 24, 2024, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw traveled on the same route after reviewing a Kavach trial in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan.

(With PTI inputs)