Odisha Mishap: CBI Probe Recommended Into The Accident; What Do We Know So Far

The Odisha train mishap, one of the worst accidents to have occurred in recent years, resulting in over 280 fatalities, is now being investigated for the causes.

While the Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that the accident happened due to a change in electronic interlocking, more details are expected to surface in the coming days.

The incident occurred slightly before reaching Bahanaga Bazar station, located in Odisha's Balasore district. This area falls under the jurisdiction of the Kharagpur railway division, which is a part of the South Eastern Railway.

The collision involved three trains: two passenger trains traveling in opposite directions and a stationary goods train.

What Is The Loop Line Everyone Is Talking About?

In that particular railway section, there are multiple tracks available. These include the Up Main Line, which heads towards Chennai, the Down Main Line, which heads towards Howrah, and two loop lines situated on either side.

The purpose of these loop lines is to provide a designated area for parking a train, allowing the main line to remain clear for faster or more significant trains.

As the Coromandel train approached the area, one of the loop lines was already occupied by a goods train traveling in the same direction (Up). According to the plan, the Coromandel was meant to overtake the goods train by using the main line.

Where Did It All Go Wrong

Based on the clarification and the supplement report provided by the Railways, it states that "Up Train No. 12841 was traveling through the 'Up Main Line' when it collided with a stationary goods train positioned in the 'Up Loop Line'.

The report further adds that the train was operating at its regular speed without any intention of halting at the station.

From the given information, it becomes apparent that the Coromandel train, instead of proceeding ahead of the goods train on the main line, unintentionally entered the loop and collided with the rear of the stationary goods train. Visual evidence from the scene displays the locomotive of the Coromandel train resting atop the goods train.

Following a collaborative inspection conducted by supervisors from various departments, it is now being reported that the Coromandel train was initially granted a green signal to proceed along the designated main line.

However, subsequently, the signal was unexpectedly withdrawn. As a result, the train mistakenly entered the loop line, resulting in a collision with the stationary goods train.

Was The Driver At Fault Here?

It is important to note that the signal indications play a crucial role in guiding locomotive drivers, particularly in low visibility conditions such as during nighttime operations. The visual cues observed on the tracks have relatively less influence on their decision-making process.

According to the railway brief, the Coromandel train was reportedly traveling at a considerable speed referred to as 'full speed', which could be approximately 100 km/hr.

Even with the emergency brakes applied, it is important to note that a train traveling at such a high velocity would require a significant distance, possibly a couple of kilometers, to come to a complete stop.

What About The Howrah Express?

Simultaneously with the collision between the Coromandel and the goods train, another train called the 12864 Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru-Howrah Express was passing on the adjacent Down main line.

This train was heading towards Howrah in the opposite direction. The majority of the Bengaluru-Howrah Express had already cleared the accident site when the Coromandel train collided with the goods train.

However, the trailing coaches of the Bengaluru-Howrah Express were affected. Some of these coaches derailed, either due to the impact from the toppling coaches of the Coromandel or as a result of shock waves transmitted through the ground and the tracks.

Is Sabotage Being Assumed In The Accident?

So far, there has been no official word or statement from the officials in Odisha, on the site, or from the Railways Ministry, hinting at any sabotage.

However, observers are citing reports where track sabotage has been threatened by terrorist groups.

One of such threats was made for the Udaipur-Ahmedabad link, where cracks were found on the track after an explosion that was done using detonators. Locals, in lieu of money, had been employed to carry out the detonations as per the reports then.

However, in this case, until any official statement is made, sabotage can only be speculated, and not assumed. A CBI probe, however, was recommended by the Railway Board on Sunday evening.

Status Of Rescue Operations And Getting The Trains Back On Track

The rescue operations were completed by Saturday (3 June) afternoon, following which the restoration work was undertaken. Vaishnaw, who has been on ground zero since the evening of the accident, while addressing the media stated that they were looking to resume trains by Wednesday (7 June) morning on the impacted stretch.

Supported by the locals, seven teams of NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), five teams of ODRAF (Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force), twenty four fire and emergency services units, and the Indian Air Force carried out the rescue operations.

On Twitter, Vaishnaw announced that the down main line had been made fit at Sunday (4 June) noon. Later in the day, the up line was also made fit, with the wiring and electrification work underway.