Unraveling The Odisha Train Tragedy: Coromandel’s Ill-fated Detour on the Loop Line
Unraveling The Odisha Train Tragedy: Coromandel's Ill-fated Detour on the Loop Line
In a bid to shed light on the tragic train accident in Odisha, officials from the Railway Board have provided insights into the sequence of events that led to the collision. Principal Executive Director of Signalling, Sandeep Mathur, and Member of Operation and Business Development, Jaya Varma Sinha, addressed the media on Sunday 4th June 2023, offering explanations regarding the possible cause of the accident.
Understanding the Sequence of Events:
According to the Railway Board officials, the accident involving the Coromandel Express and two other trains occurred due to a series of unfortunate events. The explanation provided sheds light on the critical moments leading up to the collision.
Green Signal and Loop Line Entry:
The officials highlighted that the Coromandel Express received a green signal, indicating permission to proceed. However, instead of continuing on the main track, it mistakenly entered the loop line. This crucial diversion would later contribute to the tragic accident.
Howrah Superfast Express:
Shortly after the Coromandel Express entered the loop line, the Howrah Superfast Express, traveling from Bangalore to Howrah, came into the picture. Unfortunately, due to the deviation of the Coromandel Express, the Howrah Superfast Express collided with the derailed coaches, resulting in additional derailments.
Freight Train Collision:
To compound the catastrophe, a freight train was also involved in the collision. The exact details regarding the freight train’s role and how it contributed to the accident are yet to be disclosed fully. Further investigation is expected to provide a clearer picture of its involvement.
Insights from Railway Board Officials:
During the media briefing, Principal Executive Director Sandeep Mathur expressed that the green signal given to the Coromandel Express indicates that there were no technical glitches or malfunctions in the signaling system. However, the train’s entry into the loop line after receiving the green signal remains a significant aspect of the investigation. Jaya Varma Sinha, the Member of Operation and Business Development, emphasized the need for a thorough inquiry into the incident. She assured the public that the Railway Board is committed to conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause and prevent similar accidents in the future.
Minister Vaishnaw’s Assurances:
: In his interview, Minister Vaishnaw expressed confidence in the progress of the inquiry and the identification of both the root cause and the individuals involved in the work related to the accident. He acknowledged the CRS’s presence at the site and commended the swift actions taken to gather statements and initiate the investigation. He assured the public that the inquiry report would provide a comprehensive understanding of why the accident occurred.
Commitment to Safety:
The tragic train accident has highlighted the need for comprehensive safety measures within the Indian railway system. The Railway Board, in collaboration with the CRS, is dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation to prevent similar accidents from recurring in the future. Identifying the root cause, holding responsible parties accountable, and implementing necessary corrective measures are key objectives of the ongoing inquiry.
The tragic train accident in Odisha has prompted officials from the Railway Board to provide initial insights into the sequence of events that led to the collision. With the Coromandel Express mistakenly entering the loop line after receiving a green signal and subsequent collisions with the Howrah Superfast Express and a freight train, the investigation will now focus on understanding the underlying factors contributing to this unfortunate incident. The Railway Board’s commitment to conducting a thorough inquiry aims to enhance safety measures and prevent such accidents from recurring in the future. The railway authorities, including officials from the Railway Board and the CRS, are diligently working towards determining the cause of the train accident in Odisha. With the identification of the root cause and individuals involved, the ongoing investigation aims to shed light on the sequence of events that led to the collision. The commitment of the Railway Board and Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, to conducting a transparent and comprehensive inquiry ensures that safety measures will be enhanced to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future. The imminent CRS inquiry report is anticipated to provide detailed insights into the reasons behind the accident and the necessary steps to prevent such tragedies in India’s railway network.
