The automatic signalling system between Ranipatra Railway Station and Chattar Hat Junction in West Bengal, where a goods train collided with the Sealdah Kanchanjunga Express from the rear on Monday (June 17), was reported defective since 5:50 am, according to railway sources. Seven passengers and two railway staffers were killed and 41 more injured in the Kanchanjunga Express accident in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district today.
“Train No 13174 (Sealdah Kanchanjunga Express) departed Rangapani station at 8:27 am and stopped between Ranipatra railway station and Chattar Hat due to automatic signalling failure from 5:50 am,” the source told PTI.
Automatic signalling system failure
In such instances of signalling failure, the station master issues a written authority known as TA 912, permitting the train driver to pass all red signals in the affected section due to the defect.
“The station master of Ranipatra had issued TA 912 to Train No 1374 (Sealdah Kanchanjunga Express),” the source said.
Subsequently, at approximately the same time, a goods train (GFCJ) departed Rangapani at 8:42 am and collided with Train No. 13174 from behind, resulting in the derailment of the guard’s coach, two parcel coaches, and a general seating coach.
Did the loco pilot violate rules?
Initial statements from the Railway Board attributed the collision to the goods train’s driver disregarding the signal, with the reported death toll standing at five, although local officials suggested it could be higher, possibly up to 15.
Further investigation will determine whether the goods train was also authorized with TA 912 to proceed through defective signals at a controlled speed, or if the locomotive pilot violated the norm by failing to adhere to the mandatory stop-and-proceed protocol of 10 kmph at each defective signal.
IRLRO criticises premature blame on locopilot
Responding to allegations against the deceased locomotive pilot, Sanjay Pandhi, working president of the Indian Railway Loco Runningmen Organisation (IRLRO), criticised premature attributions of blame while a CRS inquiry is pending. “It is highly objectionable to announce the dear loco pilot responsible when he is dead and CRS inquiry pending,” Sanjay Pandhi said.
According to Railway Board Chairperson Jaya Varma Sinha, the collision occurred due to the goods train ignoring the signal and colliding with the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express originating from Agartala.