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A preliminary investigation report of the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) on the accident involving a goods train and the Kanchanjunga Express in Darjeeling district of West Bengal on June 17 has found lapses at multiple levels in managing train operations
Cause of the Accident
The accident came under the “error in train working” category.
After examining the evidence and statements, officials said the accident “occurred due to lapses at multiple levels in managing the train operations under automatic signal failures”
Specific Lapses and Issues Identified
In his interim report, Janak Kumar Garg said there was inadequate counselling of loco pilots and stationmasters about train operation in automatic signalling territory, creating misinterpretation and misunderstanding of rules.
Walkie-talkie sets were not provided to the loco pilot and train manager and they were communicating using mobile phones.
Referring to the travel authority (T/A) 912 issued by the stationmaster of the Rangapani station authorising the loco pilot to cross the signal in danger, he said the signature of the train manager (guard) was not taken on the authority.
The traffic inspector and chief loco inspectors were not sure what procedure to follow when T/A 912 was issued.
Recommendations and Actions Suggested
Walkie-talkie sets, being the safety critical equipment, should be made available to all loco pilots and train managers of all trains all the time.
If required, changes could be made in the procurement policy to ensure availability.
Recording of conversations made by the stationmaster through walkie-talkie should be ensured by providing VHF receiver-cum-recorder in data logger room
The CCRS said the large number of signal failures in the automatic signalling territory was a cause of concern and should be taken up with the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to improve reliability in the system
A joint procedural order to deal with signal failures in automatic signalling territory should be issued by the Principal Chief Signal and Telecommunication Engineer, Principal Chief Operations Manager and Principal Chief Electrical Engineer of the Northeast Frontier Railway.
Introduction of new automatic signalling routes should be consummate with the provision of KAVACH.
There is a need to revise and re-issue the General Rules.
Further, the corresponding Subsidiary Rules is varying across the Zonal Railways.
There is a need to bring uniformity in the Subsidiary Rules of Zonal Railways by the Railway Board to the maximum extent possible
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