How did the Kanchanjunga Express fall victim to a fatal accident?
How did the Kanchanjunga Express fall victim to a fatal accident?
An incident occurred involving a collision with a freight train on the route of the Kanchanjunga Express traveling from Assam in India to Kolkata. Local media reports indicate that at least 15 people have died in the incident, though some suggest the casualty number could be lower. The railway authorities have not yet commented on the cause of the accident. However, there are multiple theories emerging regarding the reason behind the accident.
According to some Indian railway workers, the driver of the freight train involved in the accident ignored the signal. This led to the intrusion of the train onto the tracks of the Kanchanjunga Express. But does the blame also lie on the 'deviation' of the signal in this accident path?
A railway source claims that on Monday (June 17) at quarter to 5 in the morning, the automatic signal 'OKZO' was malfunctioning at the Rangapani and Alubari sections. As a result, the train was moving very slowly in that section. At times, the train was coming to a complete stop.
On Monday at 8:27 AM, the Kanchanjunga Express departed from Rangapani station after which the accident occurred. Due to the malfunctioning signal, the Kanchanjunga Express was moving at a very slow speed. The train had a special document called the 'Paper Line Clear Ticket' (PLICIT) according to railway regulations.
The source claims that the station master at Rangapani station had issued a form 'TA 912' for the train's departure. Based on that directive, the Kanchanjunga Express driver was driving the train. What is ‘TA 912’? When the automatic signal system fails, the train driver continues to drive the train based on that directive. Even if the signal is red, the driver can drive the train at a controlled speed.
According to railway reports, at 8:42 AM, the freight train departed from Rangapani station without permission. Subsequently, it struck the Kanchanjunga Express from behind. Like a domino effect, several coaches of the freight train landed on the Express towards the rear. The other train became derailed as well, leading to the tragic incident.
The question arises, how did the freight train advance when a manual memo was given to the Kanchanjunga Express? Was a memo also issued for it? According to the railway source, both train drivers were issued manual memos. According to the rules, when the memo is present, the train should be driven slowly. The train’s speed should never exceed 10 kilometers per hour.
So why did the two trains end up running close to each other on the same track with a 15-minute gap between the Kanchanjunga and the freight train? Although the railway authorities have not yet officially disclosed any information.
However, responding to this, the Railway Public Relations Officer of North-East India, Sabyasachi De said,
"At the moment, it cannot be confirmed. It can't be said right away. We are focused on the rescue operation and starting the services. Without investigation, it is not possible to determine the cause of the accident."
Source: Anandabazar
