A tragic train collision occurred near Rangapani station close to New Jalpaiguri on Monday morning, resulting in the deaths of nine people and injuring 41 others. The incident involved the Kanchanjunga Express, traveling from Agartala in Tripura to Sealdah in Kolkata, and a goods train that struck it from behind.
Initial Findings and Cause
Preliminary investigations by the Railway Board suggest that a combination of human error and signal failure contributed to the crash. The goods train, operating under a defective automatic signaling system, was traveling above speed limits when it collided with the stationary Kanchanjunga Express.
When the automated signaling system fails, railway protocol requires a written authority known as TA 912. This document authorizes train drivers to pass all red signals due to the signaling defect, provided they follow stringent safety measures. Both the Kanchanjunga Express and the goods train had been issued TA 912. According to railway procedures, under TA 912, drivers must stop for one minute at each defective signal and proceed at a maximum speed of 10 kmph, maintaining a 150-metre gap from the preceding train. The goods train driver violated these critical conditions, leading to the crash.
Details of the Collision
The Railway Board’s report indicated that the driver of the goods train had been authorized to cross all red signals between Rangapani and Chattarhat stations due to the defective signaling system. However, the train’s speed exceeded the permissible limit for such situations. The goods train, designated GFCJ, departed from Rangapani at 8:42 am and collided with the Kanchanjunga Express at 8:55 am, resulting in the derailment of several coaches of the passenger train.
The driver of the Kanchanjunga Express adhered to safety norms, stopping at all red signals for one minute and proceeding at 10 kmph. In contrast, the goods train driver did not follow these restrictions, leading to the fatal collision.
Rescue Operations and Aftermath
Rescue operations concluded by late afternoon, with efforts to clear the derailed coaches and restore rail services ongoing. The North Bengal Medical College and Hospital treated many injured passengers, with 41 remaining hospitalized, including nine in critical condition.
Official Responses
The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has initiated an investigation into the accident. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the site, overseeing relief operations and announcing compensation for the victims’ families: ₹10 lakh for the families of those who died, ₹2.5 lakh for the grievously injured, and ₹50,000 for those with minor injuries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and prayed for the recovery of the injured. He assured that rescue operations were underway and that the Railway Minister was at the site to assist with relief efforts.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the Railway Ministry for neglecting passenger safety and failing to implement effective anti-collision systems. She accused the railways of focusing more on fare hikes than improving safety measures, stating, “The railways have become totally parentless… They are only keen on hiking fares.”
Governor CV Ananda Bose emphasized the importance of prioritizing the treatment of victims rather than engaging in blame games.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of passengers and preventing such tragedies in the future.
