Kanchanjunga Express accident

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The investigation by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) into the accident involving the Kanchanjunga Express and a goods train on June 17 in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district, which resulted in 10 fatalities, has been completed, and a final report is awaited.

Officials have confirmed that three railway employees—the superintendent of Rangapani Station, the signal technician for the Rangapani-Chattarhat section, and the guard of the goods train that collided with the Kanchanjunga Express—have been suspended.

The accident occurred at 8:55 a.m. on June 17, between the Rangapani and Chattarhat stations of the Katihar Division of the Northeast Frontier Railway. A high-speed, container-carrying goods train collided with the Kanchanjunga Express on the same track, causing the derailment of four rear coaches of the passenger train and five wagons of the goods train.

Concerns were raised regarding the failure of the automatic signal system and the manual memos issued by the Rangapani station master to both the Kanchanjunga Express and the goods train. The accident claimed the lives of three railway employees: the driver of the goods train, a guard of the Kanchanjunga Express, and a Railway Mail Services employee. Initially, the Railways blamed the goods train crew for the incident. The accident, which occurred under the jurisdiction of the Katihar Division of Northeast Frontier Railway, led to one of the surviving goods train loco-pilots testifying before the CRS.

A senior Railway official clarified that the suspension of the employees was not a form of punishment but a procedural step to ensure their availability for the CRS inquiry. “If they are found guilty after the inquiry, appropriate action will be taken,” the official stated.

Following the accident, the Railways initiated comprehensive renovations of running rooms to support loco-pilots. “This initiative aims to improve the working conditions and well-being of loco-pilots and assistant loco-pilots, ensuring they are well-rested and mentally prepared for their crucial responsibilities,” said a press statement by Eastern Railway on Friday.

The statement emphasized the significant sensitivity and responsibility of a loco-pilot’s job, which requires utmost focus and a sound mindset. “Recognizing this, Eastern Railway has undertaken extensive renovations to create state-of-the-art facilities that cater to the holistic needs of loco-pilots,” the statement added.