Kanchanjunga Express Accident Reasons: After the train accident in Darjeeling, West Bengal, efforts are on to normalize the movement on this route. 9 people died and about 41 passengers are injured after the goods train collided with the Kanchenjunga Express. But, now the question is how did two trains collide on the track. Who is responsible for this and due to whose mistake did the accident happen. Now it is coming to light that the signal between Ranipatara railway station and Chattar Hat junction was faulty since 5.50 am and the loco pilot was given a written note (form) called TA 912 to cross all the red signals. But, what is the TA 912 written note (form) of the railway, due to the negligence of which such a big accident happened.
First of all, know how the accident happened?
The Railway Board has told that in the Kanchenjunga Express accident in West Bengal, it has been found prima facie that the goods train violated the speed restrictions due to the faulty automatic signaling system on that section. The goods train collided with the passenger train due to high speed. Seven passengers and two railway employees were killed and 41 people were injured in the accident on the Ranipatara Railway Station (RNI) and Chattar Hat Junction (CAT) route in Darjeeling district of the state.
The board said that although the driver of the goods train was allowed to cross all the red signals between RNI and CAT, as the automatic signaling system was faulty, the speed of the train was still higher than the acceptable limit set for such a situation. The board said that the driver of the goods train was driving the goods train at ‘high speed’. Due to this it collided with the Kanchenjunga Express between RNI and CAT.
The automatic signaling system was faulty since 5.50 am
The automatic signaling system between RNI and CAT route was faulty since 5.50 am on Monday. Reacting to the reports, the Railway Board said that the driver who died in the accident was given a written permission called TA 912 by the station master of Ranipatara, giving him the authority to cross all the red signals. The board said that the driver of the Kanchenjunga Express followed the norms to be adopted during the malfunction in the automatic signal system, stopped for a minute at all the red signals and proceeded at a speed of 10 kmph. But, the driver of the goods train ‘ignored’ the norms and hit the passenger train from behind.
What is the railway’s TA 912 written note?
According to another railway official, when the automatic signaling system malfunctions or does not work properly, the station master issues a written authority letter (note i.e. form) called TA 912. This note (form) authorizes the loco pilot of the train to cross all the red signals in the section due to the malfunction. According to sources, the Sealdah-Kanchenjunga Express left Rangapani station at 8:27 am and remained halted between RNI-CAT. However, the reason for the train halting is not known.
Did the loco-pilot of the goods train ignore the rules?
The source said that the station master of Ranipatara had issued a TA 912 note (form) to the Sealdah-Kanchenjunga Express (train number 13174). However, it has not been revealed yet whether TA 912 was given or not. Only investigation will reveal whether the goods train was given ‘TA 912’ to cross the faulty signal at high speed or the loco pilot violated the rule of faulty signal. However, if ‘TA 912’ was not given to the goods train, then the loco-pilot had to stop the train for one minute at all the faulty signals and proceed at a speed of 10 kilometers per hour.
However, the loco pilots’ association has questioned the railway’s statement that the driver violated the railway signal. Sanjay Pandhi, working president of the Indian Railway Loco Runningmen’s Organization (IRLRO), said, ‘It is wrong for the Railway Board to say that the driver should stop the train for a minute at the red signal and proceed at a limited speed after receiving TA 912. It is extremely objectionable to declare the loco pilot responsible despite the death of the loco pilot and the CRS investigation pending.
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