Internal documents have revealed that the goods train driver involved in the collision with the Kanchanjunga Express between Ranipatra Railway Station and Chattar Hat Junction in West Bengal on Monday was not at fault, as he was permitted to pass all red signals due to a failure in the automatic signalling system, a PTI report said.

A written authority, TA 912, was issued to the goods train driver by the station master of Ranipatra, authorizing him to pass all automatic signals between RNI (Ranipatra Railway Station) and CAT (Chattar Hat Junction).

The document stated, “Automatic Signalling has failed and you are hereby authorized to pass all automatic signals between RNI and CAT,” allowing the driver to proceed despite red or caution signals.

Defected automatic signalling system

This procedure is followed when no obstructions or trains are present on the line within the section. However, the station master’s decision to issue TA 912 is under investigation, as he may have mistakenly believed the section was clear. The automatic signalling system had been defective since 5:50 am on Monday.

Train No. 13174, the Sealdah-Kanchanjunga Express, departed Rangapani station at 8:27 am but stopped between RNI and CAT for unknown reasons. Around the same time, a goods train, GFCJ, departed Rangapani at 8:42 am and collided with the Kanchanjunga Express at 8:55 am, leading to the derailment of the guard’s coach, two parcel coaches, and a general seating coach. The Railway Board initially stated that the goods train driver violated the signal, pegging the death toll at nine, with nine grievously injured and 32 suffering minor injuries.

However, the Indian Railway Loco Runningmen Organisation (IRLRO) disputed this claim, highlighting that the TA 912 authorized the goods train driver to pass red signals.

Sanjay Pandhi, IRLRO’s working president, emphasized that the blame lies with the railway administration, not the driver. “It is highly objectionable to announce that the loco pilot, who died in the accident, is responsible while a CRS inquiry is pending,” he stated.

(With PTI inputs)