What Happened at Kavaraippettai Station?
The accident occurred at 8:30 PM on the Chennai-Gudur section, between Ponneri and Kavaraippettai stations. According to officials, the express train hit the goods train from behind, derailing 12 coaches. The impact caused significant damage, not only to the express train but also to the stationary goods train. Restoration efforts were launched immediately, leading to the diversion of multiple trains, including:
- Dhanbad-Alappuzha Express
- Jabalpur-Madurai Superfast Special Train
No Terror or Sabotage Involved
Sources in the NIA confirmed that no terror angle or sabotage was involved in the accident. There were no intelligence alerts suggesting a terrorist plot to derail the train. Officials emphasized that the NIA’s visit to the site was routine as part of their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). “We have found no indication of any conspiracy or attempt to derail the train,” officials said.
How Did the Collision Happen?
The collision occurred under unexpected circumstances. According to RN Singh, the General Manager of Southern Railways, the passenger train was supposed to proceed on the main line. Despite receiving a green signal, it entered the loop line, where the goods train was parked, leading to the collision.
“The train was supposed to pass via the main line… But, despite having signals for the main line, the express train entered the loop line and collided with the stationary goods train,” Singh explained.
Response and Relief Efforts
Officials confirmed that no fatalities occurred in the accident. However, 19 passengers sustained injuries, and three are currently in critical condition. All injured individuals were quickly transported to nearby hospitals. Thankfully, both the pilot and loco pilot of the train were safe and did not suffer injuries.
Restoration work began shortly after the accident to clear the tracks and restore normal operations. Southern Railways also provided assistance to passengers and initiated an internal inquiry to identify the cause of the signal failure.
Was It a Signal or Human Error?
The technical glitch that caused the Mysuru-Darbhanga Express to veer off course is still under investigation. While human error has not been ruled out, officials are looking into whether there was a signal malfunction that led the train into the loop line.
“The driver followed the signals correctly, and yet the train entered the loop line. This raises questions that need further investigation,” an official source stated.
Previous Train Accidents in India
While India’s railways are generally reliable, accidents like this highlight the challenges that still exist. Some other significant incidents in recent years include:
- Balasore Train Disaster (2023): Multiple trains collided, leading to over 280 fatalities.
- Kacheguda Train Collision (2019): Two trains collided in Hyderabad, injuring dozens.
- Kanpur Train Derailment (2016): Over 140 passengers died in a tragic derailment.
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Conclusion
The Mysuru-Darbhanga train collision reminds us of the need for constant vigilance in rail operations. Although no terror or sabotage angle has been identified, the accident raises concerns about signal management and technical failures. Southern Railways has launched an internal investigation, but the quick response ensured minimal damage and no loss of life.
