Resumption of Train Services Following the Kanchanjunga Express Collision: A Closer Look at the Aftermath and Safety Concerns
Manashimaya
The Kanchanjunga Express Train Accident has been tragic and heart-wrenching, profoundly affecting many lives. On Monday, a catastrophic collision between the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express and a goods train near New Jalpaiguri station in West Bengal resulted in the loss of nine lives and left at least 60 people injured. This unfortunate event has shaken the community and highlighted critical safety issues within the railway system.
Immediate Aftermath and Response
The accident, which occurred near Rangapani station, approximately seven kilometers from New Jalpaiguri, led to the derailment of two rear compartments of the Kanchanjunga Express. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw swiftly responded by visiting the accident site on Monday evening to assess the situation and offer his support. He also visited the injured passengers receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital, ensuring they received the necessary care.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent his condolences and declared that the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would provide an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 50,000 for the injured and Rs. 2 lakh for each deceased person’s next of kin. Along with sending her sympathies and prayers to the lost families, President Droupadi Murmu also wished the injured people a quick recovery.
Restoration and Resumption of Services
In the wake of the Kanchanjunga Express Train Accident, efforts were immediately initiated to restore the railway services. By Tuesday morning, the downline of the Kanchanjunga Express was fully restored, allowing train services to resume. This swift action ensured minimal disruption to the rail network, although the tragic loss and injuries remain a sad reminder of the incident.
Emergency response teams, including doctors and disaster units, were dispatched to the accident site promptly. Their dedicated efforts in managing the situation and providing medical assistance were crucial in the immediate aftermath of the accident.
Investigations and Safety Concerns
Preliminary investigations into the Kanchanjunga Express Train Accident suggest negligence on the part of the goods train’s loco pilot as a potential cause. Documents accessed by The Indian Express revealed that the automatic signaling system on the line was down, and trains were being given ‘paper line clearance’ by the Rangapani station manager. This raises significant concerns about the safety protocols in place and the necessity for stringent measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, voiced her shock and concern over the accident, particularly targeting the Centre for not implementing advanced safety measures such as the anti-collision device, Kavach. Banerjee, a former Railways minister, criticised the Railways for what she described as a compromise in passenger safety, emphasising the need for robust safety mechanisms to protect lives.
Conclusion
The disastrous results of carelessness and the significance of railway safety are brought home by the Kanchanjunga Express Train Accident. The priority is still making sure that a catastrophe like this doesn’t happen again as train services start up again on Tuesday morning. The incident emphasizes the necessity of more stringent signaling system maintenance, enhanced safety protocols, and accountability in railroad operations.
Train services have resumed, which is a step towards normalcy, but the injuries and memory of the dead will never go away. This is a time to reflect and take action to honor the lives lost in this unfortunate incident and to reaffirm the commitment to passenger safety.
